Even though vaccines may be available by fall and Dr. Margaret Chan, Director-General of the WHO, stated that "the overwhelming majority of patients experience mild symptoms and make a rapid and full recovery, often in the absence of any form of medical treatment," (6/11/09 statement to the press), it is still important to know about the H1N1 virus.
Rebecca Ruiz, of Forbes, discussed key information regarding the virus with Dr. Myles Druckman, VP of Medical Services for International SOS, a medical assistance, international health care, and security services provider.
Here's a summary of Dr. Druckman's advice:
- Businesses should "[analyze] their exposure in Mexico" and can reduce office anxiety by keep communication channels clear.
- For the time being, don't travel to Mexico unless you absolutely have to. That said, if you plan to travel anywhere else, just review your means of transportation carefully.
- "[H1N1] is typically spread by water droplets so social distancing is important."
- Wash your hands and cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough.
- Incubation period is estimated to be 3-5 days.
- If you have symptoms: wash your hands, cover your mouth, and see your doctor - but remember that a diagnosis requires lab results.
- Don't rely on your flu shot for protection.
- Relenza and Tamiflu (antiviral drugs) have yet to be proven effective.
For Ruiz's full article: What You Should Know About the Swine Flu
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