ARTICLE
Ask Dr. Feldman
Should I be Worried About H1N1/Swine Flu?
Dr. Kori Feldman, October 16, 2009

Should I be worried about H1N1/Swine Flu? In short, you should be as worried about this new strain as you are about any other influenza strain. This strain is contagious through respiratory secretions (coughing, sneezing, etc) and causes flu symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, chills, headache, and fatigue). The increased risk of hospitalization due to complications and death is noted in people with high risk medical conditions (asthma, diabetes, suppressed immune systems, heart disease, kidney disease, neurocognitive and neuromuscular disorders, and pregnancy). Ultimately, you should call or visit your doctor if you are concerned and not sure what to do when you or a loved one is sick. (check out the CDC website for the most updated information about the disease and prevention: www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/qa.htm)

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick during flu season? Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands often with soap and water or natural alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with your hands as germs spread and enter the body this way. Cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue when coughing or sneezing and then throw the tissue away after using it. Try to avoid close contact with sick people. If you are sick, stay home except to get medical care or other necessities. For fevers (>100.4 F), stay home until your fever is gone for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine.

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contributed by kori feldman M.D.Dr. Feldman is a licensed, board-certified Family Medicine physician. She completed medical school at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in North Chicago, IL. Following medical school, she completed residency training at the oldest and most renowned family medicine program in Illinois, the MacNeal Hospital Family Medicine Residency in Berwyn, IL. During her three years of excellent training in family medicine, she was able to pursue her passion for integrative medicine. As a resident, Dr. Feldman spent time working with Dr. Andrew Weil's program in Integrative Medicine in Tucson, AZ, and with the Brannick Clinic of Natural Medicine in Riverside, IL. In her new clinic, she has created an ideal primary care experience and is pleased to offer a "one-stop-shop".

Website: www.integrativefha.com

Email Dr. Kori Feldman: feldman@integrativefha.com