For details on what to do if you get the flu, click here.
2009 H1N1 influenza (also called Swine Flu) is caused by a new strain of influenza virus. Like other flu viruses, H1N1 spreads from person to person through coughing, sneezing and sometimes through touching objects contaminated with the virus.
People who have had flu infections in the past usually have some immunity to seasonal flu viruses (their bodies have built up some ability to fight off the viruses), however, the H1N1 is a new flu virus and most people have little or no immunity to it (their bodies are not prepared to fight off the virus).
Vaccines will be available to protect against 2009 H1N1 influenza. These vaccines are made just like seasonal flu vaccines and they are expected to be as safe and effective as seasonal flu vaccines. They will not prevent seasonal flu, however, so you should also get seasonal influenza vaccine if you want to be protected against seasonal flu.
Inactivated vaccine (vaccine that has killed virus in it) and a live, intranasal vaccine (the nasal spray vaccine) will be available. Inactivated H1N1 vaccine may be given at the same time as the seasonal influenza vaccine.
Who should get 2009 H1N1 influenza and when?
Groups recommended to receive H1N1 vaccine first are:
As more vaccine becomes available, these groups should also be vaccinated:
Get vaccinated as soon as the vaccine is available. Children through 9 years of age should get two doses of vaccine, about a month apart. Older children and adults need only one dose.
Who should not get the vaccine?
You should not get 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine if you have a severe (life-threatening) allergy to eggs, or to any other substance in the vaccine. Pregnant or breastfeeding women can get inactivated H1N1 vaccine.
Flu season is upon us! Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Flu viruses are thought to spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year. Yearly flu vaccination should begin in September or as soon as vaccine is available and continue throughout the influenza season, into December, January, and beyond. This is because the timing and duration of influenza seasons vary. While influenza outbreaks can happen as early as October, most of the time influenza activity peaks in January or later. In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. However, certain people should get vaccinated each year either because they are at high risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live with or care for high risk persons. People who should get vaccinated each year are:
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a vaccine for 2009-2010 seasonal influenza in the United States. The seasonal influenza vaccine will not protect against the 2009 H1N1 (swine) flu virus. Although this year’s seasonal vaccine is directed against other strains of influenza expected to be circulating and will not provide protection against the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, it is still important for those Americans for whom it is recommended to receive the seasonal influenza vaccine.
To find out where you can get your seasonal flu shot check with your primary care physician, Southern Health participating pharmacies, and visit www.flucliniclocator.org.
H1N1 (referred to as “Swine Flu”) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. Other countries, including Mexico and Canada, have reported people sick with this new virus. This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal flu spreads.
The symptoms of H1N1 (swine) flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with H1N1 (swine) flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with H1N1 (swine) flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 (swine) flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
Currently, a H1N1 vaccine is being prepared and will hopefully be available by mid-October. In the meantime, there are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
Please visit www.flu.gov for further information on the flu, vaccination, and up-to-date information on the H1N1 (swine) flu.