AskDrSears - The Vaccine Book: Swine Flu Outbreak

Swine Flu Outbreak – Is It Time to Panic?

Monday, April 27, 2009

No, it’s not. But people should be aware of what’s going on and how to lower their risk of catching or spreading this unusual strain of the flu.

Instead of writing my own details on the swine flu in this blog, I am simply going to refer everyone to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website on the swine flu. Because this information is changing on an almost daily basis, it doesn’t make much sense for me to try to write a new blog every few days.

The CDC’s website is www.CDC.gov/swineflu/ . There you can read all sorts of timely and useful information about what it is, where it is, how to prevent it, and how to seek care if you suspect it.

In a nutshell, here are a few highlights:
• There is currently no vaccine for humans for the swine flu. There is one for pigs.

• The current common flu vaccine used in humans does NOT protect against the swine flu.

• There are anti-viral medications for anyone with a confirmed case available for children age 1 year and older, and adults.

• The symptoms are the same as the regular flu. It isn’t clear why there have been more fatalities than expected in the Mexico outbreak.

• This particular strain of the swine flu seems to be a naturally-occurring cross breed of the human flu, an avian flu, and 2 types of the swine flu.

EVERYONE NEEDS TO DO THEIR PART AND STAY HOME IF YOU ARE ILL WITH FLU-LIKE SYMPTOMS, COVER YOUR MOUTH IF YOU SNEEZE OR COUGH, WASH YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY, AND CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR AND ASK ABOUT BEING TESTED FOR THE SWINE FLU IN THEIR OFFICE WITHOUT INFECTING EVERYONE ELSE THERE.

As of right now, only people who have knowingly been in contact with a swine flu-infected person, or people who are part of a large flu outbreak in a certain area, are recommended to get tested with a nasal swab. If you have flu symptoms, but haven’t been knowingly exposed and aren’t part of a large outbreak (such as your workplace, school, etc), then you probably just have the regular flu. The CDC website has up-to-date information.
If a vaccine becomes available and necessary, I will post the info on this blog.

Dr. Bob

Labels: Vaccines and their diseases

46 Comments:

At April 28, 2009 10:44 AM , adrienne anderson said...

Thank you for your comments on swine flu. I have been looking for a statement from a source I trust,and I definitely trust the Sears perspective.
At April 28, 2009 11:05 AM , Despain Family said...

This information is very relieving.
At April 28, 2009 11:41 AM , Althea said...

I would like to know what information Dr Sears has to back up the claim that this flu "seems to naturally occurring"? I am finding mixed opinions on this from other experts, many saying that this does Not seem to be naturally occurring. I just want to be informed, based on facts.
thanks!
At April 28, 2009 12:01 PM , Oana said...

I have an 8 month old baby boy and I basically wanted to know how bad would swine flu affect a baby under 1. I read there are anti-viral meds for over 1 yr of age, but what about under?

Thank you!
At April 28, 2009 1:33 PM , Anonymous said...

As with the Avian Flu which came out a few months ago, which there is hard evidence it was a man made strain of flu, this appears to be very similar???

There is no way this is naturally occurring. Some individuals and corporations are going to make billions off this pandemic. (big pharm)

Do your homework before getting vaccines.
At April 28, 2009 1:38 PM , Anonymous said...

Now particularly a comment, but what is the incubation period of the swine flu-does anyone know?
At April 28, 2009 1:59 PM , Anonymous said...

I'm writing because I'm in need of some advice. My kids doctor has always been way to relaxed and almost caused my son to go into kidney failure from dehydration because he wouldn't take seriously how sick he was. Thank god I took him to the ER. I say this because I know ppl will say ask him, but I don't trust his opinion. My 2(almost 3) year old had been sick for 4 days. Started with vomiting, now each day his fever is getting higher. Yesterday it stayed around 103.5 and meds weren't helping it at all. When do I worry about this swine flu? There's a family in my area that most likely have it (according to the news), I'm not trying to overreact at all but this is my son, I can't stop thinking what if he has it? Are there any certain things to look for? Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance for any help.
At April 28, 2009 2:09 PM , Anonymous said...

I wouldn't say it was a "naturally" occurring virus. INFOWARS.COM
At April 28, 2009 2:10 PM , Anonymous said...

The vaccines are what's going to kill people. PRISONPLANET.TV
At April 28, 2009 2:11 PM , Althea said...

Anonymous asking for advice, so far this 'swine flu' has the same symptoms as the typical flu we are use to, so it would take an actual test to determine which your child has. Do everything you would normally do and if he doesn't get better, or instincts kick in that something is not right, take him to the doctor to get checked out. Hope your little one is better soon!
At April 28, 2009 2:39 PM , Maryann said...

Found this on the following site:
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/recommendations.htm

Oseltamivir use for children < 1 year old was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), and dosing for these children is age-based (Table 2).

As a momma with a under 1 year old, I noticed someone else pointed out there was no mention for the younger ones!
At April 28, 2009 3:07 PM , Althea said...

I strongly caution against blindly following the FDA's advice on anything. They do not have our best interest in mind. Read "Seeds of Deception" and you will understand. I am positive there is other factual information out there as well, but will only advise on what I have personally read. It id good to be informed, on all sides. Follow your instincts. Find out exactly what is in the shots, medicine you consider putting into your little loved ones before doing it.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/654107/can_we_trust_the_fda_to_look_out_for.html?cat=71
At April 28, 2009 3:48 PM , Anonymous said...

Please read about cod liver oil and how it helps to prevent the development of flu and colds. Just do a search on the Internet, or go to http://westonaprice.org. This is what I will be doing for my family. Keeping our immune systems healthy is the best way to not get sick and to recover faster if you do get sick. Most articles on the web about the swine flu can leave a person feeling helpless. Because, you just don’t know who has it, if you’re going to get it. This all equals fear, fear of the unknown. So, again, please use the net and read about cod liver oil. I am someone who has been reading about health and nutrition since 1992 and from first hand experience I trust everything written at www.westonaprice.org. Even our dogs get a little cod liver oil every other day during the summer and daily during the winter. Remember our dogs are getting every illness we humans have. Read about vitamin D and how important it is.
At April 28, 2009 4:08 PM , Anonymous said...

I am supposed to be traveling on Thurs. of this week to CA from MA with my 8 month old infant on a non-stop flight. Should I cancel my trip because of the swine flu risk????? I need to do it quick if I am going to cancel the arrangements. What should I do?
At April 28, 2009 4:24 PM , Anonymous said...

Being a microbiologist/parent...naturally occurring means the organism had a host and the right conditions to produce, mutate, and replicate withing a 'natural' condition meaning the place of origin. Also, any type of influenza strains can carry a series of different strains and DNA from different sources. It's also 'natural' because it's probably been out there in the world and it finally just got the proper environment to travel and be carried by certain species.

Viruses need a host to live (pig, human, and swine in this case) and their DNA is very complex.

The best thing to do is to educate yourself and have common sense about your surroundings.
At April 28, 2009 6:25 PM , BostonBigMama said...

ANONYMOUS LOOKING FOR ADVICE: This is your son we are talking about, if you do not trust your doctor (and having a similair experience, I suggest FIRE THEM) Having said that _ If there is a potential -even 30% that a child or person in your neighborhood is affected, please take your child to the ER and explain his symptoms and have them take a blood test. You will rest a lot easier..
At April 28, 2009 7:04 PM , Samantha said...

I find it sad that so many people cling to conspiracy theories about evil scientists. Believe it or not, most scientists DO operate with scientific method in mind, and are interested in determining how things work- not in making money off of the misery of others.

Why would you guys be asking Dr Sears for advice if you think this way? After all, the Sears are - gasp- doctors, which means they study and rely on science to inform them.

Please push your fears and Hollywood conditioning aside and approach this problem rationally. Bad stuff has happened throughout history, long before scientists could become the scapegoats.

It is interesting that most of you post your comments about conspiracies anonymously.
At April 28, 2009 7:26 PM , Dr. Bob said...

Althea - good question. This was my first instinct (that it was manufactured). But the various flu strains can intermingle. So, I don't have any source to back that up right now. I imagine that SM or Catherina might, or someone else. Watch for that. I did not see any discussion or warning on the CDC website that said this might be articicially engineered.

Oana - NOT for babies under age 1. I suppose if a baby was VERY sick, they would probably want to treat. I don't know of any info yet that states how likely it would be to be worse in a younger baby versus a child.

Anon - Incubation - same as regular flu, as far as I can tell. The CDC website states this is virtually the same clinical picture as the regular flu. It does NOT specify an incubation period that I could find.

Anon - It does not sound like your child has the swine flu. If it's ONLY fever and vomiting, probably not. The swine flu (just like regular flu) causes respiratory symptoms as well. However, this isn't absolute. You should contact your doctor at least.

Anon - question about travel. I am traveling on Thursday to Georgia. I don't think people need to cancel travel just yet.
At April 28, 2009 9:05 PM , Anonymous said...

Ok so I am a nervous wreck. I ended up with a chest cold 3 days after Easter. Last Friday I went to the ER and was diagnosed with acute bronchitis and larangitis. I am now down to my last day of antibiotics and am still sick, feel a little better. I called the advise lline this evening and the lady told me that the If I was to have this that I would also have fever and aches and pains like the real flu. I also advised he that the ER doctor asked me if I traveled outside of California in the past month, which I havent. So I am sitting here STRESSED. I am on week 2 of this. Any input or advise would be wonderfull. Also like to mention 3 children in the house and a husband, the only other one with my symptoms is my husband.
At April 28, 2009 10:37 PM , Anonymous said...

Thanks Dr Bob for the responses.
Quick Q about the Tamilflu - Since it's not recommended for under 1 yr olds, if I take it as a preventative measure will it transfer in my breast milk in any way that might benefit my son? (Also flying at the end of the week).
At April 28, 2009 10:41 PM , Anonymous said...

I was troubled by this post but was relieved to see from comments that readers are informed as to possible not-so-natural aspects of this so-called pandemic. Look up avian flu vaccine scandal on Mercola.com. The House just passed very troubling legislation HR 645. Do your research. Do not give your power away to fear campaigns. I live in Mexico and people here are not buying it.
At April 29, 2009 5:44 AM , Anonymous said...

You mention that there are medicines to help those over 1 year of age. What about those under one year? Pregnant women? I have a 4 month old boy and live in the suburbs of New York and work in hospitals in NJ. My sister is 4 months pregnant. Please advise how we can be prepared beyond washing hands and avoiding contact. Thanks.
At April 29, 2009 7:49 AM , Melissa said...

The best thing you can do for you and your family in the midset of ANY type of disease, is give them excellent nutrition and teach good hand washing.

Cut out all sugars, fast and processed foods, and limit beverages to freash water and milk. I am always disappointed that the CDC with all it's "powers and knowledge" ignores the basic truths concerning nutrition and immune function.

Good nutrition is the key to avoiding disease and improving immune function to be able to recover from disease. No vaccine will EVER offer the real protection that a properly functioning immune system does.

Give your family the life and health they deserve and stop letting them fill their precious little tummies with garbage. If an item wasn't available when my gradnmother was a child, I put it right back on the shelf and move on! Back to basics!

Big Pharma is more than willing to reap any monetary benefits that this situation presents, even if there are safer, more effective alternatives (nutrition!).
At April 29, 2009 8:13 AM , Mama Gupta said...

The info about children under 1 and pregnant women can be found here.....

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/recommendations.htm
At April 29, 2009 8:16 AM , Mama Gupta said...

One other thing - it is OK to take meds and breastfeed.
At April 29, 2009 8:24 AM , Anonymous said...

I'm travelling with my 1 yr old early next week (within the US). He is due to get his first polio shot a few days before. Should I cancel so as not to compromise his immune system unneccesarily (I imagine the risk of polio is far less than flu right now)?
At April 29, 2009 9:28 AM , Tiffany said...

Remember to eat lots of fresh, raw fruits and vegetables to strengthen your family's immune system.

If you find that hard to do, (like most of us), you can get fruits and vegetables in CAPSULE, CHEWABLE and GUMMIE form with the most researched nutraceutical in the world that Dr. Bill Sears also recommends, it's called Juice Plus.

You may want to visit the corporate website at: www.ReviewJuicePlus.com

Have a healthy day!!
At April 29, 2009 10:31 AM , Dr. Bob said...

Anon - since you lack some of the main flu symptoms, you probably don't have it. But you should discuss this with your doctor.

Anon - NO, tamiflu does NOT pass into breastmilk enough to provide the baby with any protection. And people should NOT take it preventatively if they are not sick, UNLESS they KNOW they've been exposed - then they can take it.

Anon - OK. So, even if this IS an engineered virus, does that change how the general public should respond to it? If it's acting just like a natural virus with the same symptoms, we would treat it the same. Of course, IF it is a biological attack or a conspiracy, that raises many security questions. BUT from a practical disease standpoint, does it change anything?

Anon - 4 mo baby. You CAN take Tamiflu if younger - the FDA made an emergency approval for that. As for pregnancy, it hasn't been studied, so the CDC recommends it NOT be taken.

Thanks Mama Gupta for you useful link to the CDC info page:
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/recommendations.htm

Anon - Polio question - yes, you could delay it since it's not crucial.
At April 29, 2009 2:34 PM , That Chick who likes to Procreate said...

Super paranoid line of questioning here, but I am scheduled to get my 17 month old a well baby checkup tomorrow, no known cases in my state, but just wondering if given all this alarm if I should reschedule this appointment to avoid taking a healthy baby into a clinic setting/delay her scheduled immunizations to keep everything healthy on the inside until this all blows over? I did not plan on getting her a flu shot, but she is due for the 1 year old shots (we're a bit behind schedule here). I am also 7 months pregnant myself. Thoughts, anyone? I'm guessing things should be fine, but just wondering if I should leave well enough alone for the time being.
At April 29, 2009 4:33 PM , Dr. Bob said...

Procreate - I think it's fine to go. Maybe just don't hang out in the waiting room and no playing with the office toys.
At April 29, 2009 10:52 PM , franklin said...

35,000 people die from the flu each year. 500,000 die from the flu worldwide. Per CNN, the toddler that died from the Swine Flu had underlying conditions which they will not release to the public.

Yes, take precautions but they are blowing this out of control.

I wonder who is going to profit from this.

Moms- breastfeed and eat right. Breastfeeding moms juice organic fruits and vegetables so your child could eat healthy - Breast is BEST. Breastfeed as long as you can.
At May 1, 2009 1:40 PM , Cheri Osterloh said...

Hello!! I think that this is a serious situation. Luckily my kids are at home. Does anyone else feel the same way? I wash my hands whenever I go into a public restroom before and after, I take the paper towel and open the doors until I am in my car. I am pretty scared because I get sick easily. I also thought about transfering of money and swiping my credit card. Does anyone think I am being to cautious?
At May 2, 2009 12:27 PM , Lily said...

My 5-yr-old had a flu last weekend (started with a sore throat, progressed to vomitting, fever and three days of diahrrea, and when the diahrrea ended, he started with a stuffed nose and wet chest cough. I brought him to the ped, and our ped would not even allow me to say the word "flu", ped said he had a three-day intestinal bug, caught a cold afterwards and rx'd something to dry him up at night. How do I know which flu my child has? Now my one-year-old has cold symptoms with a low fever. Should I pursue this further?
At May 3, 2009 7:25 PM , taj said...

My nine month old daughter, my wife and I just got over a two week cold/flu. My daughter had the first symptoms. She started out with a fever of 102 followed by stuffed nose and a horrible chest cough.My wife had a moderate fever and a horrible cough. I had temp of 103, completely congested and a a bit of a cough. Seems we all had the same "bug/flu/cold". My wife continued to breast feed the baby while we juiced, ate fresh organic fruits and veggies. We drank gallons of water. Lots of rest and we're all almost 100%.
Our symptoms remained for about 9 days. We were a bit scared and kept a close tab of all of our temperatures.
Medication and Dr. free we all made it.
Don't be scared into vaccines and medication!!!!!
At May 4, 2009 7:32 AM , Laura Gruber said...

Dr. Bob,

I haven't seen a single comment about breastfeeding in the news or on the CDC or WHO sites.

Can you please talk to the world about the absolute importance of continuing or starting to breastfeed (or at least pump and give breast milk in bottles/cups) during a time like this? It would be great to see you sharing this with the world.

Thank you!

Laura G., San Antonio, TX
At May 4, 2009 10:02 AM , Science Mom said...

This is not, I repeat, NOT an engineered influenza strain. This is a reassortant virus and while the actual RNA is a novel reassortant, it is not unheard of.

Here is an interesting report about how this strain may have emerged:

http://www.newsweek.com/id/195692

I am glad to see that parents here aren't falling for the conspiracy theories and focusing on how to keep them and their families healthy.
At May 5, 2009 9:14 AM , Dr. Bob said...

SWINE FLU - SHOULD EVERYONE WITH FLU SYMPTOMS BE TESTED?

Here is the answer, from the Orange County (CA) Public Health Department:

NO, not everyone with flu symptoms should just automatically be tested. Here are their criteria:

1. Patients who are hospitalized with Flu-like symptoms (defined as fever greater than 100 AND cough or sore throat), pneumonia, or sepsis (bloodstream infection).

2. ANYONE with flu symptoms (defined above) who is a healthcare worker, pregnant, lives in an institution (prison, shelter, etc), OR is part of a cluster of people (3 or more) from the same school, work, institution, etc., with Flu symptoms.

BUT, random people with the Flu who don't fit one of these criterion should NOT be tested.

Anyone who is part of a small outbreak of the flu at work or school involving 3 or more people should be tested. I'm not sure if this applies to a whole family with flu symptoms though, unless one of them caught it as an outbreak at work or school.

I haven't seen anything this specific from the CDC yet as far as a nationwide policy.

Here is a link to the OC website:
http://www.ochealthinfo.com/epi/swine/providers/
At May 8, 2009 8:37 AM , Dr. Bob said...

SWINE FLU UPDATE 5-7-09

SWINE FLU DOESN'T APPEAR TO BE ANY MORE DANGEROUS THAN THE REGULAR FLU

So far there have been 642 confirmed U.S. cases. 35 of these were hospitalized (5% of cases) and there have been two deaths (0.3% of cases). Both deaths were in people with underlying health conditions that predisposed them to fatality from the flu.

So far, there's no reason at all for panic.
At June 14, 2009 6:51 AM , Anonymous said...

Dr. Bob,

Now that its the middle of June and the WHO has made it a level 6 Pandemic...Would you please give me advice about what I should do regarding a trip (air travel) that I have planned next week...I have a 23 month old. In your opinion, should
we cancel this trip?
At July 2, 2009 9:12 AM , Anonymous said...

I've heard from a vaccination nurse that a swine flu vaccine will be available for administration in the fall. I've even heard that it might be obligatory and not voluntary. What is your opinion on this vaccine? Should parents and children get it? I have a 9 month-old and a 14 year-old.
At August 28, 2009 3:40 PM , xo SunShine said...

I too am curious as to your opinion on the vaccine. I am currently deciding against the vaccine even though I am 5 weeks away from my due date. I also have a child who is about to start kindergarten. My instincts are kicking in on this double edge sword situation. I don't want my child to get this flu, especially if it could be as deadly as they claim it could become...the other is letting my child have a vaccine that has been rushed and not tested enough to my liking. I don't care that there is squalene and possible mercury in the vaccine. Of course I am attempting to do my best to keep on the news and configure what is correct info or misinformation. It's not easy to do at this time. I have been doing my best to boost my family's immune system and starting to up our daily Vitamin D just a bit more as I recently read some remarkable info on this vitamin and how it can help tremendously.

Many Thanks!
At September 1, 2009 10:08 AM , Christine said...

Dr. Bob,
Would you please comment on the safety of the upcoming swine flu vaccine? I'm 7 months pregnant and have a 2 year old. My midwife just told me that it may be available either solo or as part of the traditional flu shot which includes other strains. Your advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks, Christine
At September 14, 2009 9:16 AM , Anonymous said...

Has there been a response regarding the vaccine and pregnant women?
At October 23, 2009 9:56 PM , Anonymous said...

This is a question for Dr. Sears. I am 9 1/2 months pregnant with my 3rd child and will be not getting the H1N1 vaccination while pregnant since it takes 3 weeks to become fully immunized. I have 2 children, ages 2 and 6, who have been following a delayed vaccination schedule similar to Dr. Sears guidelines. Flu vaccinations of any kind, especially while pregnant, worry me. My question is "Should I vaccinate myself after I deliver? Will I pass any immunity onto the baby through breastfeeding? Not sure of the dangers of vaccinating while breastfeeding." I am still not sure if I will be vaccinating my 2 older children. As of now, they do not fall into a high risk group eligible for the shot in my doctor's office. Thanks.
At October 23, 2009 10:02 PM , brenda said...

Breastfeeding is the best weapon against ANY flu. If you get the vaccine after delivery, you will give your child the unknown long term effects of the swine flu effects to your child. Do not risk it. Eat right and breastfeed and your child will be fine. If you can, breastfeed your other children.
At October 25, 2009 8:51 PM , bbrownstein said...

I'm 35 weeks pregnant and deep in the H1N1 debate, especially as doses are now becoming available. Would also love to hear Dr. Sears' comments on the vaccine and pregnant women.

The media is leading me to believe that pregnant women (especially 3rd trimester) are at greater risk for complications and by not vaccinating I'm gambling on my health/life and the baby's. But can this vaccine pose harm to my baby in utero and do these possible risks outweigh those of the flu?

They say the vaccine is built just like the regular flu vaccine (but with more adj.) and that it's safe. Should we look at it as the same, just a different strain? Are flu shots safe in pregnancy - what about all the additives that are passed onto the baby (aluminum, mercury, squalene)? And will this immunity pass to my baby?