H1N1, Zombie Flu, and HIV too!

I’m secretly excited about the prospect of H1N1 becoming known as Hini (pronounced “heenee”).  I’ve heard it a couple times now and hope that it catches on.  I normally take flu season in stride, but like most people, I’m following the situation a bit more closely this year.  It’s a relief to find small ways to laugh and joke about it, like the Hini title and last spring’s Zombie Flu spoof.  Once you’ve had a chance to chuckle, check out these slightly more serious guidelines for people living with HIV/AIDS, released by the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS.  They clearly outline how to identify, prevent and treat H1N1.

Here at Positive Women’s Network, there have been several discussions around the water cooler about what exactly H1N1 looks like and how to tell if you have it.  The symptoms can be just like regular seasonal flu symptoms, but there are a few particulars to look out for.  Usually, the abrupt onset (in other words, sudden start) of a fever and cough with one or more of the following additional symptoms: sore throat, joint pain, muscle pain, feeling ill enough to spend time in bed.  You might start feeling these symptoms anywhere from one to seven days after you are exposed to the virus.

If you think you might have H1N1 and you have a BC CareCard, call HealthLink (811) to talk to a nurse any time of day or night.  The nurse will help you decide whether you need to visit a doctor.  If your symptoms are considered mild, the best bet is probably to stay home, rest, drink fluids, avoid contact with others and keep your tissues and trashcan close by.  If your flu is deemed to be moderate or severe, or if your CD4 count is less than 200, you’ll probably be told to see a doctor.  In this case, it’s really important that you call the doctor’s office before you go in, so that they can tell you what you need to do to avoid exposing the staff and other patients at the clinic.  The doctor may decide to prescribe the antiretroviral Tamiflu (also called oseltamivir).  The cost is covered by PharmaCare in BC, so you probably don’t have to pay for it.  There are no known negative interactions with HIV antiretrovirals (ARVs), so it’s important that you continue taking your meds too.

Assuming you don’t have H1N1, there are some important things to do to avoid getting it (and also to avoid passing it along if you learn that you have it).  These are the same old basic precautions for every flu season: wash your hands frequently, especially after coughing or sneezing and before eating; cover your nose and mouth with a clean tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw out the tissue immediately; cough and sneeze into the elbow of your sleeve (check out this fun video)  when you’re caught off guard; avoid people who are sick; and stay home if you get sick.  It is recommended that people living with HIV/AIDS get three vaccinations related to the flu: the H1N1 vaccine, the seasonal flu vaccine, and the pneumococcal vaccine (if you have not had it within the last five years).  Of course, you can talk to your doctor or call HealthLink (811) about the specifics.

As usual, we are asking anybody who’s sick (including staff) to stay home instead of coming to PWN.  Hopefully most of us will avoid H1N1 and the rest of us will get over it quickly and come out the other end strong and healthy.  All the best.

-Miriam

This blog represents the ideas of individual writers, and does not necessarily reflect any formal stance taken by Positive Women’s Network.

This was posted on Friday, November 13th, 2009 at 10:00 am and is filed under Body Health, Education & Resources, News . Feel free to respond, or trackback. Read our comments policy.

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