Greetings to one and all,

 

I would like to take this opportunity to help ease any fears you might have about the swine flu epidemic/pandemic.

 

No doubt you have been paying close attention to the news lately.  Unfortunately there is a lot of hype and fear mongering with very little science.  Many news sources

have been providing information put out by the Centers for Disease Control, which is helpful.  Here is what you need to know:

1. It is very unlikely you or your loved ones will come into contact with the swine flu

2. If you have flu-like symptoms (fevers, aches, cough, chills) AND have been to Mexico in the past 1-2 weeks, OR have been around someone with

    flu-like symptoms AND they have been to Mexico, then you MIGHT have swine flu.  You may also have the normal everyday influenza, which is a very

    similar virus.

3.  So far up to 26 deaths have been confirmed to be due to the swine flu.  HOWEVER, on average up to 35,000 Americans die every year from the regular influenza,

     that one that we encourage people to get the flu shot for.  Worldwide 250,000 to 350,000 people die from influenza every year.  That is not the swine flu either.

 

WHAT TO DO if you think you may have the swine flu:

      1.  call the office, or if after hours, call the local emergency room for advice on how to approach them.  If you have the above risk factors, let us know and we will work 

           you in if at all possible, and we let you in the back door (that is by request of the local health department) and we will issue you a mask and evaluate you.

      2.  do not cough into the air or into your hands, cough into your sleeve at the elbow, or into a disposable Kleenex and toss it.

      3.  do not touch your face with your hands

      4. WASH YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY

      5.  We too are only human, and we will do our best to assist you, but keep in mind we may not be able to actually see you, but will make every effort to evaluate all

           who are at real risk of having the swine flu.

 

If you have a healthy immune system you should be able to fight it off without incident.  To boost your immune system you can make sure to do the following:

     1. eat healthy

     2. get plenty of rest and fluids

     3. vitamin C up to 5000 mg daily can help

     4. Co enzyme Q 10 at 100 mg daily of the ubiquinol form, not the ubiquinone form if possible, can boost  your immunity

     5.  anti-oxidants such as omega 3 fish oils may be beneficial as well

 

If you have chronic health problems you may be at greater risk from any infection, not just swine flu.  Chronic diseases in this category may include diabetes, heart disease, heart failure, emphysema or COPD, asthma, chronic kidney disease, etc.  If you take chronic steroids like prednisone you are at some increased risk as well.

 

Take heart, you are in all likelihood at very low risk.  You do not need to barricade yourself and your family in your home if you are well.

 

To your good health,

 

Kevin W. McCurry, MD