While there is still no categorical answer as to who are at high risk or highest risk with infection of H1N1 virus, the number of infected persons from the data gathered, the US case indicated that they were mostly among older children and young adults (WebMD 2009). It is, however, ascertained that certain groups are particularly at high risk once infected with H1N1 and should seek medical help once the symptoms become apparent.
These include “pregnant women, young children, especially those under 12 months of age, elderly people are at high risk of severe flu disease but relatively few swine cases have been seen in people over age 65, people with heart disease or risk factors for heart disease, people with HIV infection, people with chronic diseases, and people taking immune-suppressing drugs such as cancer chemotherapy or anti-rejection drugs for transplants” (WebMD 2009).
WebMD (2009) ramifies its information to be alert on the following warning signs. Among children, they should immediately be brought to a medical doctor if they: “have fast breathing or trouble breathing, have bluish or gray skin color, are not drinking enough fluid, are not waking up or are no to interacting, have severe or persistent vomiting, are so irritable that the child does not want to be held, have flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and a worse cough, and have fever with a rash.
” Among adults, the following warning signs call for an urgent medical attention: “difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion, severe or persistent vomiting, and flu-like symptoms that improve, but then come back with worsening fever or cough. ” H1N1 displays symptoms similar to the symptoms of the seasonal or common flu although they include “fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2009, MedlinePlus 2009).
In addition, the information from WebMD (2009) adds that people infected with H1N1 virus have diarrhea and vomiting. At least two of these symptoms appear on the person infected but it must also be understood that these symptoms may be caused by other illnesses or conditions. The strange thing about this virus is that in spite of a flu test, according to WebMD (2009), even if the result is negative, it is still not an assurance that the person does not have the virus.
It is only through a laboratory test that infection or not with the virus can be ascertained. The problem that besets many countries and governments is generally in the shortage of test facilities for the large volumes of sampling. Due to the apparent concern, many countries reserve their available antiviral drugs only for those found to be at high risk or with severe influenza.
A pandemic such as H1N1 is expected to be transferrable in practically all places where people interact or gather from the home, to the school, to the workplace, to public places such as malls and parks, and to any business or social functions. Considering that no one is free from the risk of acquiring the virus, everyone needs to be educated on its prevention, the prevention of its spreading, and its management when it is acquired. While H1N1 virus can be contagious and deadly, there are prescribed ways by which to prevent its infection and its transmission.
CDC (2009) informs that H1N1virus can spread in the same manner as the common flu which is basically from person to person through coughing and sneezing when these are not hygienically taken care of by at least covering the mouth. It can also be acquired by touching surfaces or objects touched by individuals infected with the virus. The basic practice or education on hygiene and cleanliness is what should be emphasized even at the breaking out of any illness much more a pandemic like H1N1. There are ways of avoiding, and in effect preventing, the infection of H1N1 virus.