H1N1 Flu Information for Chronic Illness

posted on Oct 09 by Lauren in the Health category

Have a Chronic Illness? Here’s What You Need to Know About the 2009 H1N1 Flu

The swine flu (H1N1) vaccine has begun shipping and will be available soon in clinics, doctors offices, and pharmacies. Here are some common questions and answers for those with disabilities.

Q: Does the regular seasonal flu vaccine help prevent swine flu?

A: No. If you have received the seasonal flu vaccine you are NOT protected against swine flu.

Q: What is the appropriate name for this flu? H1N1, swine flu, pandemic influenza? I’m confused with all of the different names floating around!

A: The appropriate name for this flu is actually “2009 H1N1″” (you can add “influenza” or “flu” to the end if you like). The technical name is “Novel Influenza A H1N1.” The term “swine flu” is not correct. This flu is NOT transmitted by eating pork. Novel 2009 H191 Influenza is not a foodborne disease, it is a respiratory disease (spread by infected people coughing and sneezing).

Q: I was able to receive the seasonal flu vaccine at my local pharmacy. However, I have no idea where to get the H1N1 vaccine. Also, will there be enough to go around? Help, I don’t want to get sick!

A: This vaccine will be available in many settings, including public health clinics, pharmacies, local physician’s offices, schools, and workplaces. Around October 15th, 40 million doses of vaccines are supposed to be available, with 20 million a week becoming available after that. Some states are telling hospitals and other large businesses to hold off on vaccination clinics until mid-November. The best bet is to listen to local health department officials (you can go to their websites or call) and local media to see when supplies are available in your area. Everyone who wishes to be vaccinated should be able to have it.
For those in the Atlanta metropolitan area, here are some local resources:
Fulton County Department of Health
Georgia Division of Public Health

Q: Authorities are saying that people with chronic health conditions should have the vaccine first. Who qualifies for the list of patients that should have the vaccine first?

A: The first wave of vaccinations that are available (ie: right now!) should be given to children 6 months through 4 years of age, children 5 through 18 with a chronic medical condition, pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, and health care personnel with direct patient contact.
After the limited availability is over, kids age 5 to 18 (healthy), healthy people 18 to 24, and patients age 25 through 64 with a chronic health disorder or compromised immune system are added to the list. When there is no shortage, everyone should get the vaccination!
The elderly are usually first one the list for seasonal flu shots, but this time around for the new H1N1, the young ones are of more priority because research has shown that older patients are more resistant to the H1N1 strain.

Q: I have a chronic medical condition. My friend had the flu and now I have been exposed. What should I do?

A: Unfortunately the H1N1 virus is already spreading throughout many states as we speak (here is an up to date map on where it has reached). Some patients may get the flu before they receive a vaccination. The most important thing is to talk to your doctor beforehand to create a plan. You may benefit from taking prophylactic medication if you have been exposed. If you do end up getting the flu, the important thing is to be treated immediately (in the first two days of symptoms), so that medication can lessen the severity of the illness. Also, take steps to prevent spreading the flu to those you come in contact with. Consider wearing a mask (or at the very least, use a tissue to cough or sneeze, and immediately throw it away after it is used), wash or use alcohol hand sanitizer on your hands often, and stay home to rest and get better. You should stay home for at least 7 days after you start showing symptoms or 24 hours after your symptoms go away. Consider, though, that those who have had the virus recently can continue shedding it for weeks after they feel better.

If all this flu talk is making you depressed or worried, cheer up and watch the rapping doc explain H1N1 in his winning PSA:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gwUdmPl0bU

Resources:
CDC H1N1 Flu Information Center
Flu.gov
Georgia Department of Health