Influenza Facts and Information
Influenza Facts and Information – Winter 2009-2010
All of us are continuing to hear a lot about H1N1 (Swine Flu) Influenza that was first recognized in Mexico. I would like to summarize some of the most important points, and also ways we can help protect ourselves.
The H1N1 type is a new type of Influenza A virus that anyone younger than 65 years old has not developed any immunity from prior exposures. The standard Seasonal Influenza vaccine is not effective for H1N1, and a new vaccine specific for H1N1 has been quickly developed. It has been tested for safety and is prepared exactly the same as the Seasonal vaccine. It has been shown to be a very good vaccine, safe, and effective to immunize against H1N1. Recent lot recalls of some pediatric and nasal types were on the basis of lower potency after distribution. However, if one was vaccinated with these lots, no repeat vaccination is required as it appears there is a good immune response even with low potency vaccine. Distribution to health departments started in early October and immunization has been coordinated with governmental agencies and community health professionals. The vaccine continues being released from the Health Department to healthcare providers on a weekly basis. Fortunately, there is now a good supply of vaccine, and there is no longer priority risk groups- anyone that has not been vaccinated is now eligible. Children less than 10 should have 2 doses, 3-4 weeks apart; otherwise, everyone else needs only 1 dose.
Seasonal Influenza is distinct, and the usual vaccination recommendations continue the same as years prior. Seasonal Influenza vaccine supply this year had some difficulty due to the sudden necessary production of the H1N1 vaccine, however there now appears to be an adequate supply. The time to vaccine with both vaccines, Seasonal and H1N1, is now when you have the opportunity if you have not yet been vaccinated. Your best way to stay healthy is good preventative measures and being immunized.
In SW Missouri, we so far have had 2 waves of H1N1 influenza, and no seasonal. Seasonal influenza is still expected this influenza season that extends into March 2010. Additionally, there are still the possibilities of further waves of H1N1. Global travel spread H1N1 rapidly worldwide, spread throughout the entire United States, and has been prominent in schools as students are concentrated more closely together. The H1N1 virus appears to be effect younger adults, children, and pregnant women significantly more than Seasonal Influenza. Therefore, H1N1 vaccine is very strongly recommended for these groups by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), rather than typically older adults with Seasonal Influenza vaccine.
Precautions and treatment for both H1N1 and Seasonal Influenza are the same. As the virus is spread by infected droplets, covering one's cough and keeping apart from others is important. The virus can live for 8 hours on surfaces people touch such as door knobs, counter tops, etc. Touching these areas and rubbing your eyes or eating without washing your hands causes an infection. In work or public areas, it is a good idea to frequently wipe down surfaces with antiviral wipes as seen in grocery stores. Washing your hands frequently, avoiding touching your face, and keeping 6 foot away from anyone coughing or sneezing may decrease your exposure. Wearing a typical face mask is perhaps more effective for the coughing/sneezing person to prevent spreading droplets of infection if they can not stay out of public areas. There are 2 medications effective for treating the influenza virus, and are quite effective if started early in the infection that would be recommended if you are in a high risk group or hospitalized. Standard antibiotics are of no initial benefit, but only if there is a secondary bacterial infection that happens in an occasional person. Most of the time, a person is sick, but not severe, and can recover at home with rest, fluids, and symptomatic medications for aches and fever without necessary prescription drugs.
Generally, a person is contagious 1 day before becoming ill, and up to 7 days after infected. If you have the typical symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat, aches and severe fatigue, you should not expose others and keep yourself isolated at home and call in to work rather than show up to avoid spreading the virus to your co-workers. You may return to work and other activities around others when you do not have a fever for over a day without taking any medication for fever.
There are excellent resources for timely information and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu.
Guidance to businesses and employers to plan and respond is available at www.flu.gov.
Kerry Randolph MD
Medical Director, Cox HealthPlans
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Springfield, MO 65801-5750
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