Swine Flu Outbreak

3M N95 Breathing Masks

Here’s something you need to know when facing this swine flu outbreak: Antibiotics do NOT have any effect on the flu virus. While antibiotics are effective for pneumonia modern testing is required to determine which type you have because using the wrong type of antibiotics for pneumonia will do more harm than good. Avoid self-adminstering antibiotics unless you are positive that you are using them for a bacterial infection.

Symptoms/signs of flu: * Fever (usually high) * Chills * Headache * Muscle aches * Extreme tiredness * Dry cough * Runny nose may also occur but is more common in children than adults * Stomach symptoms; such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, may also occur but are more common in children than adults

Treating Swine Flu Outbreak Symptoms

Fever is one of the largest/most dangerous concerns of flu. Analgesics such as acetaminophen, aspirin, & ibuprophen are used to treat fever.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for fevers because it is safe for all ages and can be bought in many different forms for administration powdered/crystallized mixes, elixirs, tablets, capsules, and rectal suppositories. Here are the dosing regimens:

1. adult doses; 325 to 650mg every 4 to 6 hours or 1000mg every 6-8 hours - do NOT exceed 4000mg in a 24 hour period - if you have any liver dysfunction/ disease do NOT exceed 2000mg per day.
2. pediatric doses;

• <=1 month: 10 to 15 mg/kg/dose every 6 to 8 hours as needed (Maximum: 5 doses in 24 hours).
• >1 month to 12 years: 10 to 15 mg/kg/dose every 4 to 6 hours as needed (Maximum: 5 doses in 24 hours).
• 12-16 years: 325 to 650 mg every 4 to 6 hours (Maximum: 5 doses in 24 hours).
• >16 treat the same as an adult unless physical development is an issue.

Aspirin (Bayer, Bufferin, Ecotrin, etc...) should always be taken with food and should not be given to persons with ulcers or pregnant or nursing mothers. Dosing info:

1. Adult: 325 to 650mg every 4 to 6 hours or 975mg (3 tablets) every 6 to 8 hours - do not exceed 3900mg in a 24 hour period.
2. Pediatric: not suggested for children under 12 without direct advice from a physician familiar with the child.

Ibuprofen (Advil, Midol, Motrin, Nuprin, etc...) should be used with caution in persons with history of asthma, ulcers, or lupus, and should NOT be used in the third trimester of pregnancy. If taken with food or milk it should prevent any stomach upset.

1. Adult: 200-400mg every 4 to 6 hours or 800mg every 6 hours. Do NOT exceed 3200mg per day.
2. Pediatric: not suggested for children under 12 without direct advice from a physician familiar with the child.

Fluid loss due to vomiting and diarrhea is also a large and most dangerous concern of a swine flu outbreak with GI symptoms/signs.

1. Water, fruit juices, and clear soups are the best way to keep up fluid levels.
2. Energy/rehydration/ sport drinks such as Gatorade typically have very high levels of sugars and should be used with caution in diabetics.
3. Oral Rehydration Solution packets, popsicles, drinks made for children. They are good flavored and already formulated to be safe for all ages.
4. If the ill person can not keep down any fluids for more than 24 hours medical attention/advice should be sought.

Pneumonia can result from flu and is the last serious concern with a swine flu outbreak.

1. Persons with heavy productive coughs or with difficulty breathing can often be eased by sitting upright supported by pillows etc...
2. White or yellow sputum is normal, darker colored (brown or green) tinged sputum is of concern and medical attention/advice should be sought.

Antihistamines (Benadryl, diphenhydramine, loratadine, fomatadine, etc...) can be used to dry up a runny nose but can cause drowsiness.

Decongestants (Tavist D, etc...) can also help with congestion and runny nose. Tenting a hot (not boiling) tub of water or sitting in a closed bathroom with the hot shower running can also help with congestion. Caution should be used with persons with asthma though.

Cough suppressants should ONLY be used for a dry cough and often contain alcohol, diphendyramine, or controlled depressants (codeine) and caution should be used.

Expectorants can help to thin mucous production so that it is more easily coughed up.

Anti-diarrheals can help diminish watery stools.

Again, these are just some common-sense steps for treating a mild swine flu outbreak in your home. However, you should take precautions to avoid contracting the swine flu in the first place.