Don’t Panic About Pig Flu

THE news dominating the media at present is the H1N1 influenza pandemic (worldwide spread). Namibia has only 3 confirmed cases to date. H1N1 is a new combo influenza virus, from bird, swine and human strains.

Its epicentre was near Mexico City, a megalopolis of 27 million people. Within weeks it spread worldwide. Panic buttons were pressed! According to Prof Barry Schoub of the RSA National Institute of Communicable Diseases( NICD) this pandemic, in the vast majority of cases, results in only a mild influenza. The mortality is low. The Spanish Influenza of 1917/18, at the end of an exhausting World War, killed millions of people, in an era without antibiotics. If this virus were so dangerous, Mexicans should by now be dying like flies. This however, is not the case. The Ministry of Health and Social Services, assisted by the media, is to be commended for informing the public on precautions and early diagnosis of this pandemic, but it is not necessary to go overboard. Precautions include-* Avoid overcrowded places with poor ventilation* Avoid smoking – stop for good* Cough and sneeze into disposable paper tissues (prevents droplet spray spread of infection)* Wash hands regularly with soap and water, to prevent contact transmission.* Creches/Kindergartens are often reservoirs of viruses – avoid.It is not feasible or affordable, to test everybody with a supicion of H1N1(the tests cost over $1 000 each!). Mild influenza needs only fluids, Panado and bed rest at home. If complications arise, most commonly respiratory, antibiotics can be added. In severe cases Tamiflu (Roche) anti-viral agent is available. A new vaccine is being developed with priority target being health workers, obese people (diabetics), people with respiratory problems, and pregnant women.Namibia is blessed with a lot of fresh, unpolluted air. The population density is about 2 people per square kilometre. The viral spread is handicapped, if we keep our distance and take precautions. I am a GP with over thirty years experience in practice. At present I need Red Bull to keep going treating anxious patients, with advice and tranquillisers. The pandemic appears to some to be a diversion from politics and the economic recession. However, crying wolf is counterproductive. Be realistic and not alarmist. Don’t make an Everest out of a molehill. Roche is making a killing with Tamiflu and fast tracking the influenza vaccine. Its shares have soared. Insurance brokers work on the same principle. Scare the hell out of you, by picturing the most pessimistic scenario, in order to collect their premiums and commission. Remember the last major false alarm – the Y2K computer crash at the turn of 2000? Nothing happened! Use common sense. Unfortunately, however, this is not so common! Namibia’s health problems are linked to epidemic month-end alcoholism (binge drinking), promiscuity, prostitution & AIDS (a dozen deaths per day) and unplanned, unwanted and unaffordable children, swelling the ranks of PID – Poverty Ignorance and Disease. Follow the WHO/UNICEF Guidelines of Geoffrey Sacks to break the vicious cycle of poverty.Tired GPVia e-mailNote: Name and address provided – Ed