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Information on
Seasonal and H1N1 Flu
H1N1 INFLUENZA
VIRUS
What are the plans for distributing an H1N1 vaccine?
Vaccine makers began shipping the H1N1 flu nasal spray on
Wednesday, September 30. Several hundred thousand doses have started
to arrive at state locations on Tuesday, October 6th. It is expected
that subsequent deliveries will arrive in stages throughout the
fall.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently
released helpful fact sheets about the H1N1 vaccines:
Who should get the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available?
The CDC recommends the following higher risk groups receive the
H1N1 vaccine when it first becomes available:
- Pregnant women
- People who live with or care for children younger than 6
months of age
- Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
- People between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old
- People ages 25-64 who have chronic health disorders or
compromised immune systems
Note: The H1N1 nasal spray vaccine is only recommended
for healthy people with no underlying health problems between the
ages of 2 and 49. So people under 2 and over 49 years of age or
people with chronic health problems should get the flu shot.
What is H1N1 and why is it called “swine flu?”
H1N1 is a new flu virus that was first detected in the United
States in April 2009. It is a viral respiratory infection with
symptoms similar to the seasonal flu and is spread from person to
person.
H1N1 was at first called “swine flu” because laboratory testing
showed genes in this new virus were similar to flu viruses that
normally occur in pigs (swine). However, further studies showed that
this virus is very different from the virus of pigs.
How does the H1N1 virus spread?
H1N1 spreads very much the same way as the regular seasonal flu
virus spreads – from person to person through coughing and sneezing
by people infected with the virus. When an infected person coughs or
sneezes and then touches a surface, that surface is contaminated
with the virus. Other people who touch that same surface and then
touch their mouths or noses can become sick with the virus.
What are the symptoms of H1N1?
The symptoms of H1N1 are high fever, sore throat, cough, runny
or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some
people also have diarrhea and vomiting.
How serious is the illness caused by H1N1?
Illness caused by H1N1 ranges from mild to severe. Most people
recover without needing medical treatment. But for some the illness
results in infections that cause hospitalization and even death in
rare cases.
Will getting a regular seasonal flu shot protect against H1N1?
No. The seasonal flu shot that you typically get every year will
not provide protection against the specific virus that causes H1N1.
What should I do if I think I or someone in my family has the
H1N1 virus?
If you suspect you, your child or another family member has symptoms
of H1N1 (or seasonal) flu, call your primary care provider or pediatrician for
guidance.
If the symptoms are mild, remaining at home is best to limit contact with others. Getting rest and plenty of liquids also is
recommended by the CDC. Additional guidelines for at-home care of
someone with mild H1N1 symptoms are
available
here.
What are other ways to reduce the risk of getting or spreading
H1N1?
Take the same actions that are recommended to prevent the spread of
any illness, such as:
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue (or the inside of
your arm) when you cough or sneeze.
- Throw away used tissues.
- Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for 15 to 20 seconds,
especially after a cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaner
also can be effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth so that you don’t
ingest germs.
- Stay at home if you get sick, and keep your child home if
she is sick so that others do not become infected.
Where can I find the most up-to-date information about H1N1?
Visit the CDC web site to get
the latest information about the H1N1 vaccine.
 
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