Apr 28, 2009 6:43 pm US/Eastern
Expert Answers Your Tuesday Swine Flu Questions
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
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Maryland health officials say there were no confirmed or suspected cases of swine flu in the state as of Tuesday afternoon.
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WJZ and Healthwatch reporter Kellye Lynn spoke to Dr. Richard Boehler, St. Joseph Medical Center's chief medical officer, to get answers for your questions about swine flu.
Q: What symptoms should someone look for if someone gets swine flu?
Carolyn Lesniowski, Rising Sun, Md.
Dr. Boehler: Symptoms include fever, aches, sore throat, runny nose, potential for some diarrhea or vomiting. Unfortunately these symptoms are very non-specific and can occur with a broad array of other viruses other than swine flu. Anyone whose had "the common cold" has experienced many of them.
Q: Is the swine flu vaccination I was given by the government in the 1980s effective against the current swine flu?
Michael Watts
Dr. Boehler: Unfortunately the flu virus undergoes minor and major mutations on a regular basis, and immunity to prior vaccinations isn't often effective unless there are very similar characteristics. Each year we try to predict what the predominant strains of flu are going to be in the near future and create the vaccine with that prediction. That's why, with the pace of change of the virus, you need to get a new vaccine every year.
Q: Is the flu confined to Mexico City or is it everywhere? We're leaving for Cancun Thursday.
Vince Lanasa, Pasadena, Md.
Dr. Boehler: It appears that the outbreaks of flu originally occurred in Mexico City, but with global travel we've seen occurrence of swine flu in very diverse locations around the world. Sporadic or localized cases have now been identified in several countries and of course we expect this number to grow over the coming weeks.
Q: Is there a vaccine for the swine flu?
John Blackburn, Forest Hill, Md.
Dr. Boehler: There is no vaccine currently available for the swine flu, though we are working to create one. That process takes quite a bit of time--months. It's important to take the standard precautions--with regular hand washing an important element--as you would with any respiratory illness. While you are away, if you or a family member become sick, staying out of circulation is important, and symptomatic treatment (fluids, rest, Tylenol) will help as well as seeking the advice of a medical professional.
Q: How do people know if they have regular symptoms or symptoms of swine flu?
Judy, Aberdeen, Md.
Dr. Boehler: Unfortunately you can't tell the difference on the basis of symptoms between swine and other forms of influenza. It can only be confirmed by detailed laboratory testing. We're entering a time period in the United States where the particular strains of flu we experienced this past winter are on the wane, with just sporadic activity reported around Maryland and the rest of the country. A surge in cases now would suggest that it is likely to be swine flu, though it would still need to be confirmed. In the interim, until confirmed, I believe most healthcare professionals will approach an individual with a flu-like illness in the coming months as possible swine flu rather than the strains we experienced earlier this year.
Q: My family and I just returned from Cancun, Mexico. Should there be any concern for us?
Joanie Rodriguez, Baltimore
Dr. Boehler: I would not be concerned about returning from Cancun on April 9th. Flu virus has an incubation period up to seven days, and given that you have had no issues to date, it is reasonable to assume that you were not exposed. Clearly not everyone who has visited Mexico will come down with the flu, but it is prudent to take precautions with respect to travel going forward.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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