For Better Health for Paramount Elite Members



Home Preventing Prostate Cancer: What the Research Says Confused About “Swine Flu”? Know When a Loved One Needs Help Could You Have Prediabetes? Tossing and Turning? Overcome Common Sleep Problems Leaving Alcohol Out of the Mix Plan Now for Your Future Care Are You Exercising Enough? Weight Training Gives Women a Lift Personal Call Center Representatives Past Issues		Confused About “Swine Flu”? The H1N1 influenza virus has made news headlines this year. If you’re still confused, here are some answers that will help you stay healthy. Q: What is H1N1 flu? It is a virus that causes illness in people. It was originally referred to as swine flu because it is similar to a virus that normally occurs in pigs. Cases have been reported around the world, including in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, and Spain. Q: How does it spread? The virus is thought to spread the same way that seasonal flu spreads—from person to person through coughing or sneezing. Q: How dangerous is this flu? Researchers believe some people at high risk for seasonal flu complications face the same risk from H1N1 flu. These groups include: People with weakened immune systems People with certain pre-existing health conditions Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities However, unlike seasonal flu, H1N1 infections have occurred mainly in younger people. Research suggests that many older adults may have some degree of resistance to the virus. One theory is that older adults may have been exposed to a related influenza A virus that circulated before 1957. Q: What is the latest news? For updates on H1N1, visit these Web sites: www.cdc.gov/swineflu or www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en.