I’ve been getting many e-mails over the past couple of days concerning swine flu.  So I’ve decided to answer a few of them here.

Dear Dr. Manny,
If I had the swine flu in 1976 after I received the swine flu vaccine as a college student, do I have any anti-bodies that may help ward off this version of the virus?
                  —Amy Gorman
                  Lutherville, MD

Probably not. This current swine flu’s genetic makeup is different from the swine flu from the ‘70s, and therefore the vaccination won’t be protective for you. But the silver lining is that this current swine flu is less lethal, and there may components in it that more Americans have been exposed to. So you may have a greater chance of being protected already which can minimize the symptoms.    

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Dear Dr. Manny,
We have friends who have returned from a trip to Mexico City two weeks ago. How long would it take for swine flu symptoms to show up if they were infected?
Thank you for your time,
—Alan

The typical incubation time for a virus is 48-72 hours.  So if your friends have been back for two weeks, and don’t have any symptoms, you can feel confident that they are safe. 

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Dr. Manny,
My wife and I are very concerned of the complications swine flu/treatment would pose to her pregnancy. Are the approved drugs for treatment approved for use during pregnancy?
Thanks,
Ben Demaline
Jacksonville, FL

Yes, all of the current flu treatments can be given to pregnant women. As a matter of fact, we tend to be more aggressive in treating the flu in expectant mothers because pregnancy can make flu symptoms worse and put the patient at higher risk. That’s why it’s recommended that all pregnant women get flu shots annually.

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Dr. Manny,
I will be flying to Las Vegas next week with a two-hour layover in Atlanta. I had a liver transplant five years ago and have done really well. Do you think that I should wear a mask at the airport and on the plane? I am very concerned about the large crowds and would like your opinion.
Thank you for any answer!
G. Savage

As a liver transplant recipient you are probably taking immunosuppressant therapy drugs and therefore you do have to take precautions to avoid exposure to the swine flu ― or any kind of flu. Even though I’m not a big advocate of wearing masks, I do feel that you should wear one. But remember: Not all facial masks are created equal, so get one that has been proven to protect against viruses. There are many supply stores that carry this specific mask for viruses. Also, try to wipe down all the surfaces on your airplane seat with antibacterial wipes. Be sure to wash your hands before, during and after the trip. And avoid any contact with anyone who you suspect might be sick. I know that this is a big stretch, but until we know exactly the extent of the spread, in your particular case, I would be extra cautious. I hope that this doesn’t ruin your vacation! 

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Dr. Manny,
I have no choice but to commute using public transportation everyday.  How should I take precautions against the swine flu?
                  Thanks,
                  —Paul

If you can avoid public transportation, especially crowded subway cars, then do it.  But if you can’t here’s what you can do:

• If you are a healthy individual you can just use antibacterial products, including wipes and gels, chronically throughout your trip.
• Avoid contact with people who are coughing or appear sick.  If they are in your car, move to another one. 
• As soon as you get home or to the office wash your hands, wipe down your cell phone, iPod or any device that you used during your trip. 

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Dear Dr. Manny,
I’m a chronic nail biter and I’m really concerned about the swine flu.  What should I do?
Best,
                  —Mel

First and foremost — wash your hands. Your hands are the most common tool for picking up germs and viruses in general. So if you are a nail biter, this would be the perfect incentive for you to quit. Also, biting your nails can make you ingest things other than viruses that you don’t want to have in your body.

Let’s face it; the best defense is a good offense. In the case of allergies, that means you need to develop an emergency plan for allergic conditions such as stinging insect allergy, food allergic reactions, etc if you have a history of a severe allergic reaction and you’re traveling. 

First, make sure if you have a prescription epinephrine auto-injector with a current expiration date. Also it is important, during the summertime, not to store these devices in a location that is excessively hot (such as a car’s glove box). Next, go over with your doctor when to use this device and practice using a trainer – to become familiar with its use if ever needed in time of an emergency. 

It’s also important if you have a history of asthma (trouble breathing, wheezing, etc) that can be brought on by a variety of triggers to carry an adequate supply of medications with you, including a rapid onset rescue bronchodilator inhaler. 

If you have a food allergy, you will need to be a “label detective” and plan ahead by bringing safe snacks that you know are safe for you to eat.  Be sure to let restaurants and hotel staff know what your specific food allergies are when ordering your meals. We recommend that our patients carry a “chef’s card” that spells out your food allergies in writing and is given to the kitchen staff for the chef to see.  All affected individuals with a known food allergy should have an allergist-directed emergency plan in place, and have your family members (and anyone that you travel with) be familiar with how to recognize an allergic reaction as well as knowing what to do in case of a true food allergic reaction.  This is particularly important when traveling by plane, boat or train where emergency personnel may not be immediately available. Check out www.foodallergy.org for more information to keep you safe during the summer travel season.

Have a safe trip!

Dr. Clifford W. Bassett is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Long Island College Hospital and on the faculty of NYU School of Medicine.  He is the current vice chair for public education committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.  No information in this blog is intended to diagnose or treat any condition.

Pack your bags and leaving your allergies behind!

Its vacation time and thoughts of relaxation and anticipation may be first on your mind. Remember if you or a household member has allergies and/or asthma it is important to prepare ahead. 

Certainly the following strategies are helpful to many vacation-goers:

    ** Bring an adequate supply of daily medications and go onto the National Allergy Bureau at www.aaaai.org/nab to check out the pollen levels at your desired destination

   ** Plan your outdoor activities wisely, especially when pollen levels rise and consider doing the “indoor thing” if you are particularly affected by air pollutants such as ozone

   ** Take a vacation by the sea (i.e., by the beach, lake or shore) where pollen counts are lower

   ** Take the sunglasses (the bigger the better) to block pollens from entering into the eyes and lids

   ** Learn if the hotel you will be visiting has “green rooms” that are more environmentally and allergy friendly

   ** Take your dust-proof allergy covers for pillows and mattresses to provide top notch indoor protection from pesky (but invisible) dust mites

   ** Don’t let the bugs bite! Avoid excess fragranced products, creams, hair care products and colognes which attract stinging insects especially if you have a history of reactions to them (bright colors may also attract them)

   ** Get a pre-trip check-up with your allergist and take the opportunity to get your allergy “tune up” and review your “go to” allergy medications before leaving home

   ** If you suffer from pet allergies request an animal-free room as well as talking to your host when visiting friends

   ** Be a label detective when eating out of the home if you have food allergies (bring safe snacks for those affected)

    ** Bring along some moisturizing nasal saline spray, especially for prolonged air travel (cabin air is dry and may irritate nasal passages)

   ** Make sure your favorite sunscreen is “kind” to your skin before using it on yourself and children 

Be safe and be prepared!

Dr. Clifford W. Bassett is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Long Island College Hospital and on the faculty of NYU School of Medicine.  He is the current vice chair for public education committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.  No information in this blog is intended to diagnose or treat any condition.

by Lori Lundin 

We came her for dental work, and it’s been more like a vacation.  So far, the dental care my husband has received has exceeded our expectations.  I would even say it’s been superior to what we’ve had in the states.  The level of hospitality, concern for his well being, and the short time it’s taken to get the work done has been nothing short of amazing. In the states, Doug was told it would take 2 years to complete his treatment plan, here he’ll have had a total of five visits and a whole lot of fun in the process.  This has been an eye opening experience.  Doug had major work done. Bone grafts, extractions and titanium implants (like a screw that goes into the bone…and slowly adheres to it so you can attach a crown). Doug has had absolutely no pain.

The day after the big surgery, Doctor Lorenzana called to see if Doug was feeling okay, and up for a day at his beach house.  Doug has been taking his antibiotics and anti-inflammatory and feeling just fine.  We couldn’t pass up the offer.  The doctor picked us up and off we went.  It was spectacular.  Driving through small villages, you see very few tourists in this country, so it’s easy to get a flavor for the culture.  There are many more modern amenities than you’d imagine.  You can find just about anything you would in the states.

Driving down a dirt road with women selling fruit and barefooted children playing…we arrive at a beautiful home right on the beach.  An open air patio with incredible ocean breezes.  We’re given a room to use for changing or resting.  A lovely young Salvadorian couple live and work on the property.  They make us lunch as we listen to the Pacific waves crashing and relax in hammocks. What a way to heal from dental work. I can’t imagine doing this with my dentist in the states.  We’re being treated like family and getting great care.  Doesn’t get much better than this.  Tomorrow, Doug will get his temporary crowns and then end the day with a massage at the hotel. 

Lori Lundin is a News Anchor/Reporter with Fox News Radio