The Canadian Press has released a primer on swine flu terminology for people to better understand the issue. So far, in the area covered by the Sudbury and District Health Unit, there have been 23 confirmed cases of the illness.
Flu terms
H1N1:
A family of influenza A viruses, which includes the current swine flu virus as well as the H1N1 that caused the Spanish flu of 1918.
Pandemic 2009 H1N1, also known as swine flu:
Swine flu is a respiratory illness caused by this particular H1N1 virus. It isn't clear when it started circulating in humans, but it was first detected in people in Mexico and the United States in April of 2009.
Vaccine:
Injection that contains dead virus to prompt the creation of antibodies and provoke an immune response in the body.
Adjuvants:
Compounds that boost the immune system's response to vaccine, allowing smaller doses to be used per person.
Unadjuvanted vaccine:
Vaccine without boosting additives. 1.8 million doses of unadjuvanted vaccine will be available in Canada for pregnant women and children under three.
Antivirals:
Drugs that can be used 24-48 hours after onset of flu symptoms to lessen severity and duration of illness in normal flu. In cases where people are hospitalized with severe flu, doctors will give antivirals even after the 48-hour window. These drugs are also sometimes taken as a prophylaxis to prevent flu in people who may have been or may be exposed to the virus.
- Tamiflu (oseltamivir)
- made by Switzerland's Roche Holding AG (pill form)
- Relenza (zanamivir)
- made by GlaxoSmithKline PLC (Inhaled powder)
Signs of serious illness
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control says the following signs may be seen in a swine flu patient taking a turn for the worst, and such a patient should seek medical care immediately.
Children:
Fast or troubled breathing; skin turning bluish; not drinking enough fluids; being unusually hard to wake up or not interacting; being so irritable that the child doesn't want to be held, flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough; fever with a rash.
Adults:
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath; pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen; severe or persistent vomiting; sudden dizziness; confusion.
