HEALTH & FITNESS
w
I e S
Swine Flu Fears
T
hroughout human
history, seri-
ous infectious
iting and diarrhea seem
more prevalent.
It is typically spread
diseases have
dramatically affected many
civilizations. These include
"topically," where infected
secretions from coughing
or sneezing are touched by
people, who, in turn, touch
bubonic plague, smallpox
and, most recently, AIDS.
The devastation brought
on by them has caused
significant alterations in
the affected populations.
Fears regarding such
severe infections continue
to trouble us.
Dr. S cott
Le wis
Colu mnist
The influenza virus has been
prevalent for centuries, but has
been especially chronicled for the
past 100 years. The most publicized
influenza "pandemic" (defined as a
global outbreak of serious infectious
illness) occurred in 1918-19 (Spanish
Flu). Up to 50 million humans died
from the outbreak, including almost
700,000 Americans. In contrast,
World War I killed 15 million people.
Two other influenza pandemics
occurred in the 20th century, in 1957
(Asian Flu) and 1968 (Hong Kong
Flu). These two were not as severe,
as treatment of the bacterial compli-
cations was more successful due to
antibiotics. Thus, "pandemic" desig-
nates the distribution, not the sever-
ity, of the illness.
The fourth official influenza pan-
demic, the Swine Flu, is now upon
us. This flu is actually a blend of
the pig, bird and human influenza
virus, prompting the name change
to H1 N1. The "H" and "N" refer to
proteins that coat the outside of the
virus.
Originating in Mexico, the virus
has now spread to 74 countries.
Although the severity has not
eclipsed that of the usual seasonal
influenza, its potential raises serious
concerns. This is, in part, due to the
lack of a current vaccine against this
strain as well as the lack of signifi-
cant exposure to similar strains of
influenza in the past.
As a result, children may be more
vulnerable to this particular virus. It
is felt that people who acquired influ-
enza prior to 1957 may have some
protection from it.
The Swine Flu presents with symp-
toms similar to other seasonal influ-
enza viruses, such as fever, cough,
sore throat and achiness. The virus
differs, however, in that nausea, vom-
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une
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their mouth, nose or eyes.
It is less clear if it is spread
through the air as "respira-
tory droplets." Hand wash-
ing is a must if there is any
possibility of contact with
an infected patient.
The complications of the
flu, such as dehydration, pneumonia
and aggravation of any chronic ill-
ness, demand medical attention.
Avoidance and aggressive early treat-
ment of these conditions will ultimate-
ly prevent severe debility and death
from the virus.
Those most vulnerable to such
jay Mentzel running the Marathon For Matt at this year's Relay for Life event.
Marathon For Matt
Friend of the late Matt Lash runs
full 26 miles at Relay for Life.
Shelli Liebman Dorfman
easy part."
Senior Writer
Matt was 28 when he died of
Ewing's sarcoma, a form of bone
cancer, in 2008. He underwent che-
W
hile 430 other par-
ticipants of this year's
difficulty are infants, the elderly and
people with medical conditions such
as diabetes, heart or lung disease,
West Bloomfield
Relay for Life took
turns walking and running the West
kidney disease or who are receiving
treatment for cancer. Such patients
should seek medical attention imme-
diately if they have typical influenza
symptoms.
Bloomfield High School track, Jay
Early diagnosis of the infection is
Mentzel kept going for 26 miles.
Running in honor of his longtime
friend, the late Matt Lash, Mentzel
was part of Team Chaverim, formed
quite important; rapid treatment with
anti-viral medication can affect the
duration and severity of the virus.
Close contact with a person known
by Matt's friends and family in 2001.
Through the June 6-7 Relay,
Mentzel, 28, of Berkley, raised more
than $1,400 for the American Cancer
Society.
to have the Swine Flu demands
preventive treatment with the same
medication.
He named his run the Marathon
For Matt, which he created as "a
new way to get more people involved
Although the incidence of the
virus may wane during the summer,
the concern that another wave of
the virus, in a more severe form, will
occur this winter is prompting feverish
and raise money for Relay for Life,"
he said. "I started a Facebook page
called 'Honor Matt Lash,' to help
spread the word."
vaccine production.
Such a vaccine against the H1 N1
virus will hopefully be ready by the
fall. It is unclear whether it will be
given as a separate vaccination from
the usual seasonal flu shot or if it will
be included as part of a single vac-
cine.
Through the Web site, 15 other
supporters signed on to join him on
the track for a mile. Others made
donations.
motherapy, radiation, multiple lung
operations and participated in his
first Relay for Life after having his leg
amputated.
"In the opening survivor walk,
Matt walked for the first time without
crutches," said his mom, Roberta
Lash, of Novi. "It was very touching
and moving. Team Chaverim mem-
bers all walked very slowly around
the track. Everyone lined up and
applauded us as we walked by. We
were the last to complete the walk.
At the end, Matt, my husband, Cliff,
and I just fell into each other's arms,
sobbing. It was the beginning of
many accomplishments Matt was
determined to achieve."
During his illness, Matt gradu-
ated from Michigan State University,
received a law degree from Chicago-
Kent College of Law, traveled to
Europe and Israel, interned with the
Detroit Tigers and participated in the
Relay for Life annually.
"Getting so many people involved
via running and/or fundraising fur-
ther represented how Matt can still
bring people together to better the
"I wanted to honor the life lessons
that I learned from Matt," Mentzel
said. "Matt taught me that strength
has nothing to do with muscle mass.
cause for those still fighting cancer,"
Mentzel said.
Hopefully, a combination of early
scrutiny and treatment, aggressive
control of its complications and an
effective vaccine will make this H1 N1
"I wanted to exemplify that Matt's
continued fight and courageous
battle still lives on through all of
"That courage isn't only about
what one would do to save a life,
but to what lengths someone would
go to prolong one. He also showed
me that bravery doesn't have to
pandemic a mild one, avoiding its
fear-provoking consequences on our
population. Ili
us. I couldn't have done it without
the help of every single person
involved," he said. "Running was the
be proven by bravado, but by the
simple act of never giving up. And,
never giving in."
Dr. Lewis is a primary-care internal
medicine physician at Premier Internists/
Millennium Medical Group PC in Southfield.
❑
To make a donation to the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life of
West Bloomfield, access the Web site at www.relayforlife.org or call
(248) 663-3400.