H1N1 Virus and the Elderly –
Why Everyone is Talking About It

This new term, H1N1 virus, is being used as the more correct term for swine flu. In fact, it is actually seen as combination of the swine flu, bird flu and human flu. It is not spread by eating pork or coming in contact with pigs, a misunderstanding that is completely off-base and one of the reasons for the name change. This virus is a new strain of flu that has recently been affecting all kinds of people. When it comes to the H1N1 virus, elderly people need to be extra cautious because there is no preventative drug at this time to keep you from catching the bug.

The reason why people can get a cold every season is because there are so many different kinds of viruses that affect you with similar symptoms. This means you never actually catch the same cold twice. With the H1N1 virus, elderly citizens and young people alike have never been exposed to this virus before, which is why it is gaining so much attention. Since no one has an immunity built up against it, a very high percentage of people exposed to it will contract H1N1 virus. The exact proportion is one out of every four people. This is why the elderly, very young and pregnant people should be extra cautious.

The dangers of this virus still have yet to be fully determined, though the common consensus is that it seems to be doing the most damage where it originated in Mexico. It has spread globally now, with deaths having occurred in several countries due to it. There have been different points in history when an influenza breakout has affected many and caused worldwide panic. This particular strain of flu seems to be more serious than outbreaks in the past. If you are older, be aware that the H1N1 virus affects elderly folks more than younger people with strong immune systems.

The characterized symptoms of the H1N1 virus, in elderly people and others, are a high fever, extreme fatigue and muscle aches. Typical cold indications follow, including a cough, a sore throat and a stuffy nose. The more harsh symptoms which have been reported include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If you contract these symptoms, seek medical assistance immediately. Even in the more vulnerable people, if you seek direct help, you will most likely make a full recovery. Once you have contracted H1N1 virus once, you can never get it again.

Dr. Jay Lieberman, medical director for Quest Diagnostics and a pediatrician at the University of California, Irvine, says data from Quest’s testing, based on 76,500 specimens taken between May 11 and October 11, 2009, can supplement the CDC’s findings, which cover fewer than 5,000 patients.

The sharp rise in cases in children came at the end of August and beginning of September, Lieberman told Reuters in a telephone interview.
“What is interesting is that we are now seeing delayed by several weeks a rise in other age groups — in the elderly, in people aged 50 to 64 and in children under 5 years of age,” Lieberman said.

Influenza often spreads from school-aged children to siblings, parents and eventually grandparents. “What we have seen in the pandemic so far is that the elderly have been relatively spared. That may start to change in the weeks ahead,” Lieberman said. Many scientists think the elderly are less likely to be infected because they have some immunity to the H1N1 virus.

Lieberman said the findings show it is important to vaccinate children against influenza to slow the spread in the community.

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