Swine flu in not doomsday
DEAR DR. DONOHUE: What’s the scoop on the devastating H1N1 virus? What can an elderly senior do to protect himself from the ravages of this debilitating disease? Is a vaccine available? What can I recommend to my grandchildren in their 20s or children in their 40s? Should a person wear a mask in public? — S.B.
ANSWER: Every few years, a new infectious disease pops up that becomes a source of public terror. This is happening with the swine flu virus, H1N1. Actually, it’s not a new virus. Epidemics of it occurred in 1957 and 1977, and you made it through those years without batting an eye. You should make it through a return visit too. Today’s column was written well before the date of publication, so some advice may have changed.
The signs of H1N1 flu are the same as ordinary flu: fever, cough, sore throat, backaches, muscle aches, headaches and chills. It is transferred from one person to another through coughing and sneezing. People should always cover their mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and dispose of the tissue in a proper receptacle. The nonsick should wash hands frequently and make a determined effort not to touch their eyes, mouth, lips or nose with their fingers — another possible route of transmission.
A vaccine is scheduled for availability in mid-October. Pregnant women, members of a household or institution who are in contact with children less than 6 months old, those whose ages are between 6 months and 24 years, health care workers and people between the ages of 25 and 65 who have illnesses that put them at high risk of infections are the targets for this vaccine. You’ll notice older people are not targets. That’s because these people are relatively protected from the H1N1 virus due to past experience with it. Older people are targets for regular flu virus, however.
The reliability of the four flu medicines — Tamiflu, Relenza, Symmetrel and rimantadine — is in doubt, but it might be that these medicines could be effective when used in combination.
Swine flu isn’t caught from pork or pork products.
Wearing a mask in public isn’t likely to provide any significant protection.
DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Once atherosclerosis develops in an artery, is there a medical (nonsurgical) way to reduce or eliminate the plaque? — J.E.
ANSWER: Atherosclerosis (ATH-uh-row-skluh-ROW-siss) is artery hardening. It’s an accumulation of plaque — a buildup of cholesterol and other fats in the walls and lining of arteries. It’s the No. 1 medical problem for all of us. It begins at young ages and progresses rapidly after age 50. It’s the basis for heart attacks, strokes and peripheral artery disease. It blocks blood flow to organs and tissues.
Atherosclerosis can be reversed, but it takes herculean efforts. A diet that emphasizes grains, fruits and vegetables, dedication to exercise, staying on the lean side, maintaining normal blood pressure and guarding against diabetes are some of the things that can slow progression of artery hardening and reverse it when they are done with great resolve. Often, cholesterol-lowering medicines are needed.
DEAR DR. DONOHUE: On Dec. 5, 1989, at age 69, I had my aortic valve replaced with a pig valve. I was discharged from the hospital in six days. Before the operation, I became severely breathless on pushing my lawn mower only 18 feet.
The doctor who operated on me said the valve should last 14 years. My daughter’s doctor said 12 to 14 years. What kind of time limit do you give, Dr. Donohue? At age 88, I want to make it to age 90. — V.C.
ANSWER: The average life of a pig aortic valve is 15 years. That’s an average. Some people’s valves last much longer. You have had your valve for almost 20 years. It’s working well. That speaks tons of optimism that your valve should get you into your 90s.
Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Readers may also order health newsletters from www.rbmamall.com.