Swine Flu Survival: The Science of a Single Sneeze (and Three Simple Ways to Protect Yourself)

A single sneeze propels 100,000 droplets into the air at around 90 mph, landing on door knobs, ATM keypads, elevator buttons, escalator railings, and grocery cart handles. In a subway station at rush hour, according to British researchers, as many as 10 percent of all commuters can come in contact with the spray and residue from just one sneeze (or sternutation). That means as many as 150 commuters can be sickened by one uncovered achoo.

No wonder health officials are extremely concerned about the new strain of swine flu that has infected at least 20 Americans in five states, killed some 80 people in Mexico, and has traveled to the other side of the world in New Zealand. Understandably, US authorities - following the lead of the World Health Organization (WHO) - have declared a "public health emergency."

"This virus has, clearly, a pandemic potential," says Margaret Chan, director general of WHO. Why? The virulent new H1N1 swine flu strain spreads quickly and efficiently from human to human. It's "a completely novel virus," says the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). This latest variant is a mixture of human virus, bird virus, and pig viruses from all over the world. Experts say it's particularly worrisome because people are getting sick without any encounters with pigs. Even worse, young, healthy people (ages 20-40) are dying at a striking rate, a telltale sign of the worst flu epidemics.

Swine flu fears aren't new in the United States. In February 1976, a 19-year-old army private at Fort Dix, New Jersey, died within 24 hours of becoming infected with swine flu. Soon, 500 soldiers were afflicted and the US government began a controversial nationwide vaccination campaign. Ultimately, some 40 million Americans were inoculated. As a result, several hundred people developed Guillain- Barré syndrome, a serious neurological condition, and the immunization program was stopped.

What's going to happen this time? Without question, the disease will spread farther and wider. At this point, as the CDC says, it can't be contained or controlled. (The flu shot from last fall, for instance, won't combat this strain).

What can you do to protect yourself? "No single action will provide complete protection," the CDC notes, but taking a few steps can help reduce the likelihood of transmission of swine flu (or many other infections).

1. Sanitize -- i.e. Wash Your Hands Frequently. It may sound obvious, but hand-washing with soap and water for around 20 seconds is the single best thing you can do (if you're going to go out into the world and interact with other human beings). The CDC estimates that 80 percent of all infections are spread by hands. If you can't wash your hands regularly, try hand-sanitizers with 60 percent alcohol content.

2. Avoid -- i.e. Engage in "Social Distancing." That's the fancy term for reducing unnecessary social contact, staying away from crowds, and avoiding people if you're sick or if you're concerned that they may be infected. It may not be especially practical when you have to go to, say, work, but experts believe it's worth repeating: Isolation and avoidance reduce your chances of getting infected or infecting others.

(Researchers in the UK - mentioned above and sponsored by a cold remedy company - found that 99 percent of commuters suffer at least one cold per winter. By contrast, 58 percent of people who work from home and 88 per cent of those who walk to work caught a cold last winter).

If you need to go someplace crowded, the CDC says, try to spend as little time as possible and try to stay six feet away from potentially infected people. Wearing a surgical or dental facemask - cleared by the FDA as a medical device - "can help prevent some exposures," the CDC says, but they're not foolproof.

3. Be Alert -- i.e. Recognize the Symptoms and Get Help. Swine flu symptoms are similar to regular flu: Fever, body aches, sore throat, cough, runny nose, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. If you don't feel well, seek medical attention. So far, it's important to note, this swine flu is treatable (and absolutely survivable). It's resistant to two of four antiviral drugs approved for combating the flu: Symmetrel and Flumadine. But two newer antivirals - Tamiflu and Relenza - appear to work.

What are the chances of a global pandemic? "The situation is uncertain and unpredictable and likely to be a marathon more than a sprint," says Dr. Richard Besser, acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"We expect there to be a broader spectrum of disease here in the U.S.," adds Dr. Anne Schuchat, interim deputy director for the agency's Science and Public Health Program. "I do fear that we will have deaths here."

Swine flu will dominate news headlines in the days ahead. Every case around the world will be carefully tracked and tallied -- and deservedly so. It may not sound like much, but the best defense involves some very simple steps: Every sneeze should be covered -- preferably with the crook of an arm - and every hand should be washed ... and washed again.

For more information about swine flu or surviving other kinds of life-changing adversity, please go to TheSurvivorsClub Website.

The CDC has set up a toll-free hotline: 1-800-CDC-INFO. Or check out the CDC Website.

Comments

[ahollandphf]

The Public Health Foundation (PHF) wants to make sure that all public health agencies and health care organizations have the necessary training and tools to respond to pandemics such as Swine Flu/H1N1 Flu both now and in the future. Find the latest Hand Hygiene, Pandemic Ready and Pandemic Preparedness, Emergency Risk Communication, and Emergency Response products now at http://bookstore.phf.org

[MariaTeresaQuirkeArrau]

I hope "social distancing" is only during this emergency.

[Drhank]

This is a good example of how our "disgust" instinct comes in handy. Those that are "instinctually" connected," to this instinct will be much more apt to avoid people who look sick as well as being more inclinded to "sanitize" themselves and thier surroundings. Mother Nature has hardwired you for this instinct because it increases your chances for survival; ancestors who were not sensitive to disgust were less hygienic and thier children were much more apt to catch disease.
On the other hand, "social distancing" is easier said than done, as we are hardwired to socially connect, perhaps a reason why people, even when a partner is sick, will engage in sex.
A great read on this perspective-the new book, The Genius of Instinct: Reclaim Mother Nature's Tools For Enhancing Your Health, Happiness, Family, and Work. (FT April, 2009)

[Okin]

a photography work about Swine Flu in Mexico City

http://www.okinreport.net/en/category/mexican_projects/swine-flu-mexico-city/

[noahveil]

You left out the single most important thing to do. Cough or sneeze on THE BACK OF YOUR HAND, not the palm. Then it doesn't get spread when you touch things.

[snoble]

Hmm... I think you are being a little sensationalist there. 150 people *could* be infected from a single sneeze? Clearly no flu grows at an exponential rate of this level. Of the people that could be exposed only very few of them become infected. For a little less dramatic approach see http://blog.noblemail.ca/2009/04/how-to-survive-swine-influenza.html

[Patrik]

Secondary infection due to bacteria (pneumonia) true cause of death not flu virus:

http://www.newscientist.com/channel/health/dn14458-bacteria-were-the-real-killers-in-1918-flu-pandemic.html?feedId=online-news_rss20

[ZackScott]

Your article inspired me to make a video. My 3 steps are Disinfect, Protect, and Disconnect. - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWIcf7EFwZU

[Eva Adams]

"Avoid unnecessary kissing" was official advice on German TV report today to prevent spread of swine flu. What's necessary kissing?

[BookQueen]

Nobody wants to say it, but keeping children under 3 out of day care centers with 5 or more kids is a good idea. Kids that age get sick a lot in centers. If you have any choice, send them to some other kind of care.

[SunDriedTomato]

My son is a teenager, and he was diagnosed with influenza this morning. Keep your sick kids at home, keep them comfortable, and keep in contact with their doctor via telephone.

[neighborhoodmole]

I agree that being dehydrated on a plane increases the risk of getting sick.
We can't bring our own water through security, so we have to choose between overpriced bottled water sold near the gates, or bring an empty bottle through security and fill it with yucky airport tap water from the bathroom sink (the drinking fountain pressure is often too low to fill a bottle.) The water from the airplane itself is high risk for bacteria. Some airlines are now charging for soft drinks and even for the bottled water they serve! So, the CDC should mandated that the FAA require airlines to serve good tasting bottled water for free so we will drink enough to be well hydrated. But then we will all have to go to the bathroom and they often keep the seatbelt fastened sign on because of even the mildest turbulence! The best solution may be to buy bottled water at the airport near the gate and wear Depends in case they won't let you use the bathroom during the flight.

[dgscol]

What was Napolitano's plan in case of a pandemic outbreak?

It seems to have been - iif an outbreak occurs in the US, quarantene it. Otherwise do nothing.
IMillions might die from this, and there was no action, no apparent plan.

Is this incompetence? Ideology run amuk? How about someone with the flu coughing in her face to show her what we think of her openess. She should resign. We need real leaders - not this BS.

[fuzzball]

> What was Napolitano's plan in case of a pandemic outbreak?
> It seems to have been - iif an outbreak occurs in the US, quarantene it. Otherwise do nothing.

You don't know what you're talking about. There are a number of contingency plans, and have been for years (because of this, whatever plan is used will probably have been developed by Clinton's or Bush's team, not Obama's. The decision to deploy a given plan is, of course, Obama's.). Which one will be used is -- duh -- contingent on the nature of an outbreak. Most likely with influenza would be a phased shutdown of schools in affected areas, which is starting to happen in Texas. At present, there is no reason to do this on a nationwide scale. Neither quarantine within our borders nor closing our borders would be cost effective.

As it happens, several weeks ago -- *before* the outbreak -- I was at a mathematics conference talking to some of the guys responsible for evaluating contingency plans for pandemic response based on mathematical models. They are extremely aware of the difficulty in planning given the uncertain and evolving nature of the potential threats; I do not envy them their job. I especially don't envy their being second-guessed by ignoramuses.

> Ideology run amuk?

Oh I forgot, you heard on Fox News that Napolitano really hates America and wants the viruses to win.

[dgscol]

There has been increasing alarm around the country over the economy, for example, and the politicians who want to experiment with Globalism have placed our economy at great risk. Napolitano is just such a person. An open system is conducive to peace. That is an ideology.

Napolitano, has little experience handling or preparing for disasters. Is she using sophisticated mathematical models to determine her course of action? What is their sophisticated model for the economy? How about the influence of bailout money on the banks? What was the model on that one? If you think these people have a sophisticated approach, you are placing your faith in a process that might be completely wrong. Many think this decision was driven by a desire to push other agendas, like amnesty and an open position on Mexico. Where do you find the mathematical model that tells you the influence of closing the border on a new amnesty policy?

Their position ought to be based on a central concern for US citizens and their exposure. I did not see their concern for Joe Bloe citizen, and their guarded eye on this situation. What they said and did might have been taken for a casual response - desiring the populace at large to just accept an uncontrolled situation since it is already out of control, and not tp panic. Then they fly a jet aircraft over NYC with trailing F16's. Does this compute with you? Do you have a model to describe their conduct?

[naturallight]

guy on hardball said millions could die. strong language, he didn't say it was a worst case but that they really just have no idea. pleasant huh.

[pkmakin]

The good news is that you obviously can't catch this new strain of influenza if you don't believe in evolution.

[ajm8127]

That's hilarious.

[LaurieLee]

That's good because the people who don't believe in evolution can use the older flu drugs and leave the newer drugs for the evolutionists. This itself may actually be Darwinistic to those of us inclined to believe in these things.

[barriosbabe]

I've always detested those bozos that run around the gym with little bottles of Purel repeatedly wiping everything down over and over - I'm rolling my eyes now thinking how feverish they will al lget.