Apr 29, 2009 6:51 pm US/Central
Q & A: HCMC Doctor Answers Swine Flu Questions
(WCCO)
Dr. John Hick Director of Emergency Services at Hennepin County Medical Center answers your swine flu questions.
Q. Does a flu shot protect you from swine flu?
A. No, this is a new flu virus and that's why health departments are keeping close tabs on it.
Q. What makes it so deadly?
A. At this stage, it's no more deadly than any other flu. Those who have it in this country are recovering well from it.
Q. Should I take Tamiflu as a precaution?
A. No, only if the CDC confirms you have swine flu. It works best when taken within 48 hours of contracting swine flu.
Q. Are Tamiflu and Relenza flu drugs are safe for babies.
A. Yes. Relenza may be best.
Q. What about Tamiflu expirations dates?
A. It has a 10-year shelf life.
Q. Are you at a higher risk of getting swine flu if you went to Mexico recently?
A. Only if you were there last week or this week.
Q. When should I get tested?
A. If you have a fever and cough and have been in Mexico last week or this week or have had contact with someone who has swine flu.
Q. Do masks help prevent spreading the flu?
A. Yes, since swine flu is spread by cough droplets the mask will catch it. Just don't touch the outside of the mask then your eyes nose or mouth
Q. What are the symptoms?
A. Fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people also have diarrhea and vomiting.
Q. What makes some people more susceptible to dying from swine flu.
A. Not enough is known about this virus to determine that yet. Like other strains, this has affected babies and the elderly but it's also hit 25 to 45 year olds.
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