View from the ER

Reducing the Risk of Swine Flu in Northern New Mexico

By Dr. Miles Nelson, Northern New Mexico Emergency Medical Services, P.C.

New Mexico is going to see cases of swine flu, although as of this writing no cases have been confirmed here. Still, Richard Besser, acting director of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, says that he expects the infection to spread, and he expects to see some Americans die as a result. In response to this threat the Federal Government has declared a public health emergency and released stockpiles of anti-viral medication to affected areas.

Fortunately, this infection is not occurring during our winter flu season, which could promote the transmission of the disease, resulting in even greater numbers of ill people. Also, since this isn’t our typical flu season, swine flu cases should be easier to spot.

Although we may be seeing the beginning of a larger epidemic, we have no reason to panic. However, this is an excellent time to review precautions to prevent the disease, or if you begin to experience symptoms, review the proper actions to take.

The basic precautions for avoiding swine flu are the same as with the more familiar flu strains. Frequent hand washing is the top precaution, especially after interacting with people or touching door knobs, shopping carts, and other public objects. Many grocery stores now provide hand sanitizing wipes for use after handling grocery carts.

Flu is often spread in crowded areas so these should be avoided when possible. Certainly, when in public, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth until you have the opportunity to wash your hands. Facial masks may be useful.

The symptoms of swine flu are the same as the more common flu strains: fever, general body aches, headache, and coughing. Intestinal problems are generally not symptoms of the flu, although they may occur as well. Still, experiencing flu-like symptoms does not mean a person has swine flu; only a doctor can make that diagnosis after following medical testing procedures.

In most cases, flu symptoms can be treated with Tylenol, Advil, fluids, and bed rest. The typical advice for a person with flu symptoms is to stay at home, cover your mouth when coughing, and avoid contact with other people to reduce the possibility of spreading the infection. If your symptoms are more severe, then call your doctor. In some cases, it may be appropriate for a prescription to be called in for you so you can avoid crowded waiting rooms.

Flu symptoms combined with difficulty breathing might be a sign of more serious disease. In this case, you should seek care at your hospital’s emergency department. The emergency physicians at Los Alamos Medical Center are experienced at rapidly diagnosing and treating all flu types, including swine flu. If seeking care in the E.R., ask the triage personnel to provide you with a mask to reduce the chances of spreading it to others in the waiting room. The swine flu is treatable with anti-viral medications if these are begun early enough in the illness.

For more information, contact your doctor or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/.

About the author:
Dr. Miles Nelson is a practicing emergency physician and a commissioner with New Mexico Health Policy Commission.

Nothing contained in this article is or should be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This information and is provided to educate the public on health care and medical issues. We do not make any warranties, representations, or endorsements of any kind regarding information contained herein. Northern New Mexico Emergency Medical Services, P.C., its shareholders, and employees are not liable to anyone for any decision made or action taken based on reliance upon this article.