Fortunately data related to the H1N1 influenza is suggesting that this new flu is no more deadly than the regular seasonal flu. It is, though, very contagious as most of us don’t have any immunity to it at all. For some reason, it seems that the elderly are slightly less likely to have complications of this flu than younger people. The theory is that over the years they have been exposed to an influenza virus similar to the H1N1 and so have some immunity.
Beginning in October (most likely the end of October), local health departments plan to begin distributing H1N1 vaccine to health care clinics, pharmacies, and medical providers. Those clinics that already participate in the Vaccine for Children Program in Pierce County are already pre-enrolled in this program and will get vaccine. Fir Creek Pediatrics is already pre-enrolled and will carry the vaccine when it is available.
Because it’s unlikely that there will be enough vaccine to immunize everyone at once, there’s a priority list for who gets the vaccine first. These people should be immunized first. As more vaccine becomes available, other people will be able to also get immunized. People getting this vaccine will need two of them in a series to get the highest level of immunity to protect them from complications of H1N1 should they be exposed.
Here’s the priority list for 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine.
1. Pregnant women
2. Household contacts of infants under 6 months of age (this is to protect babies too young to get the vaccine).
3. Healthcare workers (we need to be protected so we can continue to care for sick people; and because we are in such close contact with so many sick people, we need to be protected so we don’t SPREAD H1N1 by being sick ourselves).
4. Children and young people from 6 months old to 2 years old. There is supposed to be preservative free vaccine available for young children.
5.Anyone with underlying health issues such as diabetes, lung disease, asthma, metabolic disorders, neurologic disorders, kidney or liver disease, and any condition that suppresses the immune system.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM INFLUENZA
Stay home if you are sick with a fever and cough symptoms. Wash hands frequently. Avoid close contact with people with fevers & coughs. Viruses and germs are carried on our hands…don’t put your hands in your mouth (without washing them first), avoid touching your face, don’t put objects that you handle or others might handle like your pen or pencil in your mouth. Use hand sanitizer if you think you’ve touched something that could have virus or bacteria on it and you can’t wash your hands right away. Sanitize toys and other potentially contaminated objects with an antiviral spray or by washing between use. Keep infants out of crowded places or places where they may be exposed to potentially sick people.
The bottom line is to USE COMMON SENSE. There’s no need to be frightened or to panic. Keep clean. Keep safe. And consider immunizing if you or a loved one fall into any of the priority groups.
**Updates about possible adverse effects from the H1N1 vaccine will be posted as soon as I am alerted to them. So far it seems that its side effect/adverse effect profile is similar to the regular seasonal flu vaccine.
To find out more on your own, check the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department Current Issues & Disease Alerts website and the CDC Website.
