How does the H1N1 flu differ from the seasonal flu?

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How does the H1N1 flu differ from the seasonal flu?

     Flu (influenza) viruses are divided into three broad categories: influenza A, B or C. Influenza A is the most common type. H1N1 flu is a variety of influenza A.

Even though the H1N1 virus and the seasonal flu are the same in many ways, they are two different types of influenza.

What Makes Them the Same?
• Both flu 'symptoms include fever, body aches, headache, sore throat, cough,
runny / stuffy nose, chills, fatigue and possibly diarrhea and / or vomiting.
• Both viruses are spread mainly from person-to-person through coughing or
sneezing. Sometimes people can get the flu by touching something with flu
viruses on it and then touching their eyes, mouth or nose.
• Both types of flu are treated using fever reducing medication, plenty of fluids,
antivirals and rest.

What Makes Them Different?

•  The H1N1 virus is new, so not as many people are immune to it.
•  Unlike seasonal flu, people 65 and over are less likely to get the H1N1 flu.
•  The CDC reports the H1N1 virus has affected more people younger than 25 years old vs. the older population.
• Unlike seasonal flu, swine flu can be passed from person to person in warm weather and cold weather.
• Seasonal flu, which peaks during late December through early March, is most efficiently passed from person to person through droplets in the air when the weather is cold. "When it warms up in the spring, transmission stops
• Another significant way that the viruses differ is that in a third of the cases that have come to medical attention H1N1 affects the gastrointestinal tract as well as the respiratory system. "That's just something that we do not see in seasonal flu, which is really a respiratory virus," (www.newyorkpresbyterianhospital.com, 2009).
• Pregnant women are dramatically more affected by H1N1.

Seasonal flu: Typical influenza viruses infect the cells lining the main airway and nasal tract, according to Earl Brown, a virologist at the University of Ottawa. H1N1: The virus also infects the airway, but in some individuals, it continues to move down and infect the lungs. It's "very unusual" for seasonal flu viruses to infect lungs, Dr. Brown said. The H1N1 virus causes lung infection much more often and "more completely," he said, which is why some people have ended up in intensive care units or even dying from complications of the virus. (www.theglobeandmail.com, 2012). 

Read More What is H1N1 "Swine" flu?

Read More  Signs and Symptoms








































































































































References
- http://www.stfranciscare.org/uploadedFiles/H1N1_vs_Seasonal_web_final.pdf
- http://www.newyorkpresbyterianhospital.com/enews/whats-the-difference-h1n1-seasonal-flu.html
- http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/swine-flu/expert-answers/influenza-a/faq-20058309
- http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/health/conditions/h1n1-v-seasonal-flu-how-to-tell-the-difference/article4290774/
- http://www.mtoliveboe.org/cmsAdmin/uploads/cold_flu_swine_flu-1_001.pdf

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What is H1N1 "Swine" flu?

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What is H1N1 flu?
This is an influenza virus that had never been identified as a cause of infections in people before the current H1N1 pandemic. Genetic analysis of this virus have shown that it originated from animal influenza viruses and is unrelated to the human seasonal H1N1 viruses that have been in general circulation among people since 1977 (WHO, 2009).

H1N1 is a flu virus. When it was first detected in 2009, it was called "swine flu" because the virus was similar to those found in pigs.

The H1N1 virus is currently a seasonal flu virus found in humans. Although it also circulates in pigs, you can not get it by eating properly handled and cooked pork or pork products.

According Medline plus site; Swine flu is an infection caused by a virus. It's named for a virus that pigs can get. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. In 2009 a strain of swine flu called H1N1 infected many people around the world.

The virus is contagious and can spread from human to human. Symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.

People who have it can spread it one day before they have any symptoms and as many as 7 days after they get sick. Kids can be contagious for as long as 10 days.

Like the regular flu, swine flu can lead to more serious problems including pneumonia, a lung infection, and other breathing problems. And it can make an illness like diabetes or asthma worse. If you have symptoms like shortness of breath, severe vomiting, pain in your belly or sides, dizziness, or confusion, call your doctor or Emergency right away.

What are the symptoms of H1N1 flu?

for see symptoms click here

What are the incubation flu?

based of CDC; In general, the incubation period for influenza is estimated to range from 1 to 4 days with an average of 2 days. Influenza virus shedding (the time during which a person might be infectious to another person) begins the day before illness onset and can persist for 5 to 7 days, although some persons may shed virus for longer periods, particularly young children and severely immunocompromised persons. The amount of virus shed is greatest in the first 2-3 days of illness and appears to correlate with fever, with higher amounts of virus shed when temperatures are highest.

Transmission
Spread of this pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
Since pandemic influenza A [H1N1] is not directly associated pigs the issue of transmission through consumption of pork does not arise.

How long does the H1N1 virus last outside the body? 
Influenza viruses can survive on environmental surfaces like kitchen counters and door knobs, for up to 2-8 hours.

Are There Tests for Swine Flu?

Yes. Without one it's hard to tell whether you have swine flu or seasonal flu, because most symptoms are the same. If you have swine flu, you may be more likely to feel sick and your stomach and throw up than with regular flu. But a lab test is the only way to know. Even a rapid flu test you can get in your doctor's office will not tell you for sure.

Read More about Influenza Tests

high risk for life-threatening problems from swine flu, such as:

- Children under 5 years old

- People 65 or older

- Children and teens (under age 18) who are getting long-term aspirin therapy and who might be at risk for Reye's syndrome after being infected with swine flu. Reye's syndrome is a life-threatening illness linked to aspirin use in children.

- Pregnant women

- Adults and children with chronic lung, heart, liver, blood, nervous system, neuromuscular, or metabolic problems

- Adults and children who have weakened immune systems (including those who take medications to suppress their immune systems or who have HIV)

According (UpToDate; 2015); Indications - Based on the CDC guidelines, prompt initiation of antiviral therapy was recommended for children, adolescents, or adults with suspected or confirmed influenza infection and any of the following features [5,19]:

● Illness requiring hospitalization

● Progressive, severe, or complicated illness, regardless of previous health status

It was also recommended that early treatment be considered in patients with suspected or confirmed influenza infection who were at high risk for complications including:

● Children <5 years of age, particularly those <2 years of age

● Adults ≥65 years of age

● Pregnant women and women up to two weeks postpartum (including those who have had pregnancy loss)

●Individuals with certain medical conditions:

Individuals with chronic medical conditions including:

• Pulmonary disease, including asthma (particularly if systemic glucocorticoids have been required during the past year)

• Cardiovascular disease, except isolated hypertension

• Active malignancy

• Chronic renal insufficiency

• Chronic liver disease

• Diabetes mellitus

• Hemoglobinopathies, such as sickle cell disease

• Immunosuppression, including HIV infection (particularly if CD4 <200 cells / microL), organ and hematopoietic cell transplantation, inflammatory disorders treated with immunosuppressants

• Any neurologic condition that can compromise handling of respiratory secretions (eg, cognitive dysfunction, spinal cord injuries, seizure disorders, neuromuscular disorders)

● Individuals who are morbidly obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥40)

Complication 

Influenza complications include:

- Worsening of chronic conditions, such as heart disease and asthma

Pneumonia

- Neurological signs and symptoms, ranging from confusion to seizures

- Respiratory failure

How Is It Treated?

Some of the same antiviral drugs that are used to treat seasonal flu also work against H1N1 swine flu. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), peramivir (Rapivab), and zanamivir (Relenza) seem to work best, although some kinds of swine flu do not respond to oseltamivir.

These drugs can help you get well faster. They can also make you feel better. They work best when you take them within 48 hours of the first flu symptoms, but they can help even if you get them later on.

Antibiotics will not do anything for you. That's because flu is caused by a virus, not bacteria.

According medscape, 2014 site; H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu) Treatment & Management

Medical Care

Treatment is largely supportive and consists of bedrest, increased fluid consumption, cough suppressants, and antipyretics and analgesics (eg, acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for fever and myalgias. Severe cases may require intravenous hydration and other supportive measures. Antiviral agents may also be considered for treatment or prophylaxis (see Medication).

Patients should be encouraged to stay home if they become ill, to avoid close contact with people who are sick, to wash their hands often, and to avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth. The CDC recommends the following actions when human infection with H1N1 influenza (swine flu) is confirmed in a community :

Patients who develop flu like illness (ie, fever with either cough or sore throat) should be strongly encouraged to self-isolate in their home for 7 days after the onset of illness or at least 24 hours after symptoms have resolved, whichever is longer.

To seek medical care, patients should contact their health care providers to report illness (by telephone or other remote means) before seeking care at a clinic, physician's office, or hospital.

Patients who have difficulty breathing or shortness of breath or who are believed to be severely ill should seek immediate medical attention.

If the patient must go into the community (eg, to seek medical care), he or she should wear a face mask to reduce the risk of spreading the virus in the community when coughing, sneezing, talking, or breathing. If a face mask is unavailable, ill persons who need to go into the community should use tissues to cover their mouth and nose while coughing.

While in home isolation, patients and other household members should be given infection control instructions, including frequent hand washing with soap and water. Use alcohol-based hand gels (containing at least 60% alcohol) when soap and water are not available and hands are not visibly dirty. Patients with H1N1 influenza should wear a face mask when within 6 feet of others at home.

Read More about Signs and Symptoms

Read More about How does the H1N1 flu differ from the seasonal flu?

Read More about Influenza Tests

Read More about Influenza (Flu) Vaccine(Inactivated or Recombinant):What you need to know PDF

Read More about CDC Says "Take 3" Steps To Fight The Flu PDF or Poster PDF

Read More about Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Guidance for Healthcare Workers and Healthcare Employers PDF

References 

- https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/h1n1fluswineflu.html

- http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/flu-guide/h1n1-flu-virus-swine-flu

- http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/

- http://www.uptodate.com/contents/treatment-and-prevention-of-pandemic-h1n1-influenza-swine-influenza?source=search_result&search=h1n1&selectedTitle=1~86

- http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/frequently_asked_questions/about_disease/en/

- http://www.flu.gov/about_the_flu/h1n1/

- http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1807048-treatment

- http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/swine-flu/basics/complications/con-20034916

- http://www.anejo.eu/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/CH5236.jpg

- http://en.trend.az/iran/society/2465878.html
- http://www.epid.gov.lk/web/attachments/article/146/Latest_fact_sheet_H1N1_Influenza.pdf
- https://www.cdph.ca.gov/HealthInfo/h1n1flufaqs/Pages/H1N1fluFAQs-03-Prevention.aspx

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Risk factors for Deep vein thrombosis "DVT"

Deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in the veins that are deep in your body, often in your legs. Blood clots can be caused by anything that prevents your blood from circulating normally or clotting properly.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and acute pulmonary embolism (PE) are two manifestations of the same disorder, venous thromboembolism (VTE). DVT of the lower extremity is subdivided into two categories:
*  Distal (calf) vein thrombosis, in which thrombus remain confined to the deep calf veins
*  Proximal vein thrombosis, in which thrombosis involves the popliteal, femoral, or iliac veins


Risk factors for DVT

● History of immobilization or prolonged hospitalization / bed rest.
In hospital:
  - you are having an operation that takes longer than 90 minutes, or 60 minutes if the operation is on your leg, hip or abdomen.
  - you are having an operation for an inflammatory or abdominal condition, such as appendicitis
  - you are confined to a bed, unable to walk, or spending a large part of the day in a bed or chair for at least three days.
- A personal or family history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism (PE). If you or someone in your family has had DVT or PE before, you're more likely to develop DVT.
● Recent surgery
● Obesity
Being overweight increases the pressure in the veins in your pelvis and legs.
● Prior episode (s) of venous thromboembolism
● Lower extremity trauma
● Malignancy
● Use of oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy
● Pregnancy or postpartum status
Pregnancy increases the pressure in the veins in your pelvis and legs. Women with an inherited clotting disorder are especially at risk. The risk of blood clots from pregnancy can continue for up to six weeks after you have your baby.

● Stroke
● Smoking;  affects blood clotting and circulation, which can increase your risk of DVT
● Age. Being over age 60 increases your risk of DVT, though it can occur at any age.







According (UpToDate site, 2016); Risk factors (causes) for the development of venous thrombosis:


Inherited thrombophilia:

Factor V Leiden mutation
Prothrombin gene mutation
Protein S deficiency
Protein C deficiency
Antithrombin (TAT) deficiency
Rare disorders
Dysfibrinogenemia

Acquired disorders:

Malignancy
Presence of a central venous catheter
Surgery, especially orthopedic
Trauma
Pregnancy
Oral contraceptives
Hormone replacement therapy
Tamoxifen, Thalidomide, Lenalidomide
Immobilization
Congestive failure
Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome
Myeloproliferative disorders
Polycythemia vera
Essential thrombocythemia
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria
Inflammatory bowel disease
Nephrotic syndrome


According (CDC site, 2015); Following is a list of factors that increase the risk of developing DVT

● Injury to a vein, often caused by:
Fractures,
Severe muscle injury, or
Major surgery (particularly involving the abdomen, pelvis, hip, or legs).
● Slow blood flow, often caused by:
Confinement to bed
(eg, due to a medical condition or after surgery);
Limited movement (eg, a cast on a leg to help heal an injured bone);
Sitting for a long time, especially with crossed legs; or
Paralysis.
● Increased estrogen, often caused by:
Birth control pills
Hormone replacement therapy, sometimes used after menopause
Pregnancy, for up to 6 weeks after giving birth
● Certain chronic medical illnesses, such as:
Heart disease
Lung disease
Cancer and its treatment
Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis)
● Other factors that increase the risk of DVT include:
Previous DVT or PE
Family history of DVT or PE
Age (risk increases as age increases)
Obesity
A catheter located in a central vein
Inherited clotting disorders

References:
- http://www.uptodate.com/contents/approach-to-the-diagnosis-and-therapy-of-lower-extremity-deep-vein-thrombosis?source=search_result&search=dvt&selectedTitle=1~150 
- http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Deep-vein-thrombosis/Pages/Causes.aspx
- http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis/basics/causes/con-20031922
- http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/dvt/facts.html
- http://www.parkhurstexchange.com/clinical-reviews/apr11/deep-vein-thrombosis-in-the-elderly

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G6PD .. Drugs that should be avoided

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency is a genetic disorder that occurs most often in males. This condition mainly affects red blood cells, which carry oxygen from the lungs to tissues throughout the body. In affected individuals, a defect in an enzyme called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase causes red blood cells to break down prematurely. This destruction of red blood cells is called hemolysis.

OR

G6PD Deficiency is a hereditary abnormality in the activity of an erythrocyte (red blood cell) enzyme. This enzyme, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD), is essential for ensuring a normal life span for red blood cells, and for oxidizing processes. This enzyme deficiency may provoke the sudden destruction of red blood cells and lead to hemolytic anemia with jaundice following the intake of fava beans, certain legumes and various drug.

For see Drugs that should be avoided - Official List Click Here


For see Gene (G6PD: glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) Click Here























































































































































































References
- http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase-deficiency
- http://www.g6pd.org/g6pddeficiency.aspx
- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/2539

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Influenza Symptoms

Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses.
According CDC; The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.




Influenza Symptoms



1. Fever
2. Dry Cough
3. A headache
4. Runny or stuffy nose
5. Sore throat
6. Warm, flushed skin and red, watery eyes
7. aches in muscles and joints
8. chills
9. sneezing
10. loss of appetite
11. tiredness and weakness
12. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

References:
1. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/symptoms.htm
2. http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/flu-guide/adult-flu-symptoms
3. http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Flu/Pages/Symptoms.aspx
4. http://www.medicinenet.com/influenza/page3.htm
5. http://www.loohealth.com/did-you-know-about-the-difference-between-colds-and-flu-flu-symptoms-and-some-foods-that-can-fight-the-flu/

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Causes of Depression briefly

Depression is a real illness that impacts the brain. Anyone suffering from depression will tell you, it's not imaginary or "all in your head." Depression is more than just feeling "down." It is a serious illness caused by changes in brain chemistry. Research tells us that other factors contribute to the onset of depression, including genetics, changes in hormone levels, certain medical conditions, stress, grief or difficult life circumstances. Any of these factors alone or in combination can precipitate changes in brain chemistry that lead to depression manic symptoms.


Causes:

1. Stressful events such as bereavement or a relationship breakdown

2. Illness such as life-threatening illness.

3. Personality such as low self-esteem 

4. Giving birth Some women are particularly vulnerable to depression after pregnancy.

5. Loneliness Becoming cut off from your family and friends.

6. Alcohol and drugs.

7. Abuse such as emotional abuse.

8. Certain medications  such as acne drugs.

9. Conflict such as personal conflicts with family members or friends.

10. Genetics. such as family history of depression.

11. Hormones. Changes in the body's balance of hormones may be involved in causing or triggering depression. Hormone changes can result with pregnancy and during the weeks or months after delivery (postpartum) and from thyroid problems, menopause or a number of other conditions.

12. Environmental Factors such as Social isolation.

13. Psychological causes can trigger depression such as frustration.

References:
1. http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Depression/Pages/Causes.aspx
2. http://www.depressiontoolkit.org/aboutyourdiagnosis/depression.asp
3. http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/causes-depression
4. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/basics/causes/con-20032977
5. http://depressionhurts.ca/en/about/causes.aspx
6. http://www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/depression-in-women.htm
7. http://www.pdrhealth.com/diseases/depression

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Your Personality Color & Free test for "Color Career Counselor"

Your Personality Color

If your favorite color is Red, you are action oriented with a deep need for physical fulfillment and to experience life through the five senses.
also: RED - This is the color of extraversion, of a person with desire, appetite, a will to live life fully. You are somewhat aggressive, impulsive, perhaps athletic, surely quick to release your feelings and emotions. You have many ups and downs in your feelings.
To you, life is meant to be happy, and when it is not, you are confused and upset. You hate monotony, are quick to judge people, quick to form opinions and boldly express them.

If Orange is your favorite color, you have a great need to be with people, to socialize with them, and be accepted and respected as part of a group. You also have a need for challenges in your life, whether it is physical or social challenges.
also: ORANGE - Generally you are good-natured, likable and social, you make friends easily, with an easy smile and a talent for small talk.

Chances are better than even that you will not marry, and if you do, your marriage will be one of light affection. You prefer friendliness and companionship to adoration. A natural born politician, you shine at any occupation in which you meet groups of people. You seldom indulge in serious thought or severe discipline.

Choosing Yellow as your favorite means you have a deep need for logical order in your everyday life and to be able to express your individuality by using your logical mind to inspire and create new ideas.
also: YELLOW - You have great expectations and diligently seek self-fulfillment. Yellow is the hue of idealism - you have a superior mind and you use it. Your manner may be aloof, but you are not shy. You may occasionally feel an awkward moment, but you never get rattled.

In many respects it is a longer. You are good at formulating plans, but may not be energetic enough to carry them out. You think things through clearly, are logical and consistent.

If Green is your favorite, you have a deep need to belong, to love and be loved, and to feel safe and secure. You need acceptance and acknowledgment for the everyday things you do for others - just a 'thank you' is sufficient.
also: GREEN - You are sure to be constant in your ways, persevering, sensible and respectable. You have a good balance. Outspoken, with a love of freedom, those who like green are generally social and live in a good neighborhood, have many friends and belong to social organizations. You tend to resist change. You like parties and you like to eat - and may usually be on a diet.

Your social standing, financial position and reputation are all of top importance to you. You constantly seek affirmation of companionship and affection.

Lovers of blue have a deep need to find inner peace and truth, to live their life according to their ideals and beliefs without having to change their inflexible viewpoint of life to satisfy others.

Indigo lovers have a need to feel in harmony and at one with the Universe and to be accepted by others as the aware and intuitive spiritual beings that they are.

If purple or violet is your favorite color, you have a deep need for emotional security and to create order and perfection in all areas of your life, including your spiritual life. You also have a deep need to initiate and participate in humanitarian projects, helping others in need.

If your personality color is pink you have a deep need to be accepted and loved unconditionally.

If turquoise is your favorite color your deepest need is to create emotional balance in your life, to be able to express your hopes and dreams no matter how idealistic they may be and to make your own way in the world under your own terms.

If your favorite color is magenta, you are a non-conformist who sees life from a different point of view.

Lovers of brown have a deep need for a safe, secure, simple and comfortable existence with supportive family and friends.


Lovers of black have a need for power and control in order to protect their own emotional insecurities.

If white is your personality color, your deepest need is for simplicity in your own life and to be independent and self-reliant so you do not need to depend on anyone else.

With gray as your favorite color, you are the middle of the road type, cool, conserved, composed and reliable. You tend to conform just to keep the peace.

If silver is your favorite, you are intuitive and insightful and have a strong connection with a higher spiritual guidance.


With a personality color gold, you radiate charisma, personality and individuality, making others feel relaxed and valued in your company.

Relationship between colour preference, personality and jobs:

Certainly not a strong one but there has been some fascinating research in this area which suggests tentative links between your colour preference, your personality and your career

another size 

Color Career Counselor
The Color Career Counselor is the world's first non-language test to define occupational interests.Featured on the MSN home page twice and the AOL home page four times, it's the web's most popular test, with a 93% high approval rating from online users. Instead of asking questions, the test uses color preference to determine your most successful career paths. Check out the credentials of the scientifically valid, multi-patented Dewey Color System.
FREE assessment! Try it out for yourself.

click here
































































References:
http://www.empower-yourself-with-color-psychology.com/personality-color.html 
http://weeklyworldnews.com/headlines/12653/favorite-color-reveals-personality-type/
https://sapnasaurabh.wordpress.com/2013/05/28/your-color-reveals-your-personality/
http://www.kent.ac.uk/careers/Choosing/colour-personality.htm
http://www.deweycolorsystem.com/tests/color-career-counselor/

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