The H1N1 Swine Flu and Chronic Conditions

While the H1N1 swine flu is typically not life threatening to those individuals who are generally in good health and have immune systems that are functioning properly, those who have chronic medical conditions or a compromised immune system are at a high risk level for developing serious complications or secondary conditions when becoming infected with the H1N1 virus.

According to the "WHO" or "World Health Organization", over fifty percent of individuals hospitalized for serious complications due to H1N1 have an underlying medical condition or problem with their immune system. For this reason, the "CDC" or "Center for Disease Control" strongly recommends anyone who has a chronic health condition receive a vaccination for the H1N1 swine flu. 

Chronic conditions that are considered a High Risk for Developing Complications from H1N1 

Individuals at a high risk for developing complications or secondary medical conditions due to H1N1 include those with a compromised or weakened immune system such as seen in individuals with HIV, AIDS or who are undergoing treatment for cancer that includes chemotherapy or radiation.

Those who have chronic conditions affecting the heart and lungs such as asthma, "Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease" or "COPD", and Coronary Artery Disease are also more susceptible to experience a much more serious case of the swine flu as well as develop the secondary condition of pneumonia that is severe and other types of infections. Other conditions that are considered as a high risk for developing complications from H1N1 include diabetes, arthritis, kidney disease, and individuals who are morbidly obese. 

Extra Precautions to take against H1N1 if you have a Chronic Illness 

If you have a chronic medical illness, it is essential that you take extra precautions during flu season or at anytime there is a flu outbreak - particularly in your area. You should ensure that you take the following precautions to keep yourself as safe as possible during flu season: 

• Prepare a list of all of your chronic health conditions including all forms of treatment that you are currently receiving for those conditions.
• Make a list - preferably typed - of all the medications that you are currently taking along with the dosage and exact times of day that you are taking them. Include any supplies that you are using to treat your condition such as oxygen tanks, syringes, lancets or strips such as used for diabetes.
• Be sure that your friends and family are informed of all of your medical issues.
• Have the name of your primary care physician or health care provider along with their telephone number name and address available to you at all times.
• If you have a chronic illness that affects your respiratory system, ensure that you report any changes or difficulty in breathing immediately to your physician or other health care provider.
• In the event that you do become ill with flu-like symptoms, ensure that you continue to take your medications unless otherwise instructed by your physician.