“To follow by faith alone, is to follow blindly.” - Benjamin Franklin

This quote can speak volumes in regards to many issues, but especially that of your own individual health. The current issue regarding the H1N1 (Swine Flu) has many concerned, even frightened to the point of panic. The concerns are in regards to catching this flu, whether or not the vaccine is available to everyone and as to whether the vaccine is safe or even necessary.

According to a handbook available on the Public Health Agency of Canada website, (http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/index-eng.php) the symptoms of the Seasonal Influenza/H1N1 include; the sudden onset of cough and fever, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, decreased appetite, sore throat, runny nose, and sometimes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

It is necessary to see a health care provider immediately if; you experience shortness of breath, rapid or difficulty breathing, are experiencing chest pain, have bluish or grey colour to your skin, have bloody or coloured mucus (spit), experience sudden dizziness or confusion, have a high fever lasting more than three days or if you experience low blood pressure.

Additional symptoms to watch for in your children are; not drinking or eating enough, not waking or interacting with you and irritability - not wanting to play or be held.

The handbook also states that Individuals with chronic health conditions such as; heart, kidney, or liver disease, diabetes, asthma/chronic lung disease, blood disorders, severe obesity, or those on cancer drugs, persons with HIV/AIDS, those with neurological disorders, and children under five (especially those less than two years old) and pregnant women are NOT more susceptible to the virus, however they are more at risk of developing complications if they get sick.

Proper handwashing, (using soap & warm water for at least 20 seconds); after eating, using the washroom. being in a public place and after coughing or sneezing—all things our mother’s taught us, will help to stop the spread of the virus. Because a virus can live for up to 24 hours on a hard surface, extra precautions such as regular cleaning of surfaces you touch, sneezing or coughing into your arm or a tissue (then disposing of the tissue) and washing your hands after touching surfaces that may have been contaminated will help as well.

If you are sick—stay home, unless you are sick enough to see a Doctor. If you want the vaccine—in a press release from the Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport BC Centre For Disease Control dated October 30, 2009 states, “all British Columbians who need or want the vaccine will be able to receive it before the end of the year.”

If you are unsure of the safety or the necessity of the vaccine, do some research. Talk to a health care professional, go to the Library or use the internet. The tools to gain answers are available to everyone—become aware, become informed. Health care professionals are recommending that British Columbians call the Health Link BC Helpline at 811 and speak with a Nurse or Doctor about any of your H1N1 concerns. See to taking care of yourself.