H1N1/Swine Flu
This past spring, H1N1 emerged as an illness impacting the world. It quickly spread to a pandemic and has recently been declared a national emergency by the U.S. government. H1N1 is present in communities around the U.S. including the Washington, D.C. area. Below are some general questions and answers on H1N1. While information on H1N1 and the H1N1 vaccine is changing constantly, we have compiled a list of sources to provide the latest news and information on this important health threat. Please visit this site frequently for the latest on H1N1.
Current Facts on Novel H1N1 Influenza
What is the H1N1 flu? H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new flu virus causing illness in people. This virus was first detected in people in the U.S. in April 2009. H1N1 virus spreads from person-to-person, in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread -- mainly through coughing or sneezing.
What are common symptoms of H1N1 flu?
The symptoms of H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Also, like seasonal flu, severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.
How can I prevent H1N1 flu?
Take everyday actions to stay healthy:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Then, wash your hands.
- Cough or sneeze into the crease of your elbow if no tissue is available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
- Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities
Who should get an H1N1 flu vaccine?
The CDC recommends that these groups receive priority for 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 between the ages of 25 through 64 years with chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.
- once the demand for vaccine for these target groups has been met at the local level, programs and providers should begin vaccinating everyone from ages 25 through 64 years. Current studies indicate the risk for infection among persons age 65 or older is less than the risk for younger age groups.
When and where will H1N1 vaccine be available?
Every state and county is developing a vaccine delivery plan. Vaccine is available in a combination of settings such as vaccination clinics organized by local health departments and hospitals, doctor’s offices and schools.
Adventist HealthCare hopes to have H1N1 vaccine for the community in the near future. Please check back to the www.helpstoptheflu.com site regularly for updates and vaccination clinic postings. H1N1 vaccinations are currently available through Montgomery County.
Does the seasonal flu vaccine protect against H1N1 (swine) flu?
This year’s seasonal flu vaccine does not appear to provide any protection against the 2009 H1N1 flu.
Are two doses of the H1N1 vaccine required?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of one dose of 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine for persons 10 years of age and older.
What is the recommended interval between the first and second dose of the H1N1 vaccine for children 9 years of age and under?
CDC recommends that the two doses of 2009 H1N1 vaccine be separated by 4 weeks. However, if the second dose is separated from the first dose by at least 21 days, the second dose can be considered valid.
What should I do if I have H1N1 flu?
If you experience flu-like symptoms, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.
When do I call the doctor if I believe I have H1N1 flu?
If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your doctor or seek medical care. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed. If you have any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish or gray skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Can antivirals be used to treat novel H1N1 infection?
Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. The CDC may need to prioritize antivirals for persons with severe illness or those at higher risk for flu complications.
Can I receive the seasonal vaccine and the H1N1 vaccine at the same time?
According to the CDC, injectable or inactivated 2009 H1N1 vaccine can be given at the same time as any other vaccine, including seasonal flu and pneumonia. The 2009 H1N1 nasal-spray vaccine CANNOT be given at the same time as seasonal flu nasal-spray vaccine. This is because the nasal-spray vaccines might not be as effective if given together. It is fine to receive the 2009 H1N1 nasal-spray mist at the same time as the seasonal flu shot, or the seasonal nasal-spray vaccine at the same time as the 2009 H1N1 flu shot. Anyone who receives the nasal-spray vaccines should wait 28 days before getting another nasal-spray vaccine.
Should I get vaccinated against the 2009 H1N1 virus if I have had flu-like symptoms anytime since the Spring of 2009?
Yes, if you were ill but do not know for certain if you had 2009 H1N1 flu, you should get vaccinated, if your doctor recommends it.
According to the CDC, the symptoms of influenza are similar to those caused by many other viruses. Even when influenza viruses are causing large numbers of people to get sick, other viruses are also causing illnesses. Specific testing, called “RT-PCR test,” is needed in order to tell if an illness is caused by a specific influenza strain or by some other virus. This test is different from rapid flu tests that doctors can do in their offices. Since most people with flu-like illnesses will not be tested with RT-PCR this season, the majority will not know whether they have been infected with 2009 H1N1 flu or a different virus.
If you have had 2009 H1N1 flu, as confirmed by an RT-PCR test, you should have some immunity against 2009 H1N1 flu. However, vaccination of a person with some existing immunity to the 2009 H1N1 virus will not be harmful to that person.
Any immunity from 2009 H1N1 influenza infection or vaccination will not provide protection against seasonal influenza. All people who want protection from seasonal flu should still get their seasonal influenza vaccine.
Additional H1N1/Swine Flu Resources
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
American Academy of Pediatrics
Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Seasonal Flu
Get the Facts about the Seasonal Flu and Seasonal Flu Vaccine
It is estimated that more than 25 million cases of influenza are reported each year- leading to 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths annually in the United States. Annual flu vaccines are the best defense against the flu for children and adults. Below are some facts about the seasonal flu and seasonal flu vaccine.
What is the flu?
Seasonal influenza, or “the flu,” is a contagious infection of the nose, throat and lungs that is caused by the influenza virus. Sometimes people confuse cold and flu, which share some of the same symptoms and typically occur at the same time of the year. However, the two diseases are very different. Most people get a cold several times each year, and the flu only once every several years.
What are common symptoms of the flu?
Symptoms of the flu include fever (could be high), headache, tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, congestion, muscle aches and stiffness. More serious symptoms can also include shortness of breath, wheezing, fatigue, vomiting, malaise, sweating, dizziness, croupy cough and loss of appetite.
How is the flu diagnosed?
The flu is most often diagnosed with an antigen detection test, which is done by swabbing the nose and throat.
How can I prevent the flu?
An annual flu vaccine is the best defense against the flu. Experts also recommend several other steps to stay healthy during the flu season such as frequent hand washing, drinking plenty of water or liquids, and coughing or sneezing into a shirt sleeve instead of the hands.
Who should get a seasonal flu vaccine?
It is estimated that more than 25 million cases of seasonal influenza are reported each year in the United States. Getting a flu vaccine is the best defense against the flu. While the seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for everyone, it is strongly encouraged for those at highest risk for the seasonal flu including:
- People over 50,
- Children between six months and two years,
- Women who are more than three months pregnant during the flu season,
- Anyone living in a long-term care facility and
- Anyone with chronic heart, lung or kidney conditions, diabetes or a weakened immune system.
How does the seasonal flu vaccine work?
Flu vaccine helps your body fight the viruses that cause the flu. It does this by teaching the immune system to recognize flu viruses, so that it is “primed” or ready, to fight the disease if you are exposed to it. About two weeks after vaccination, antibodies develop that protect against the influenza virus.
How well does the seasonal flu vaccine work?
Most of the time, the seasonal flu vaccine will prevent the flu. In scientific studies, the effectiveness of the seasonal flu vaccine has ranged from 70% to 90% in healthy people younger than age 65 when there is a good match between circulating viruses and those in the vaccine. The vaccine may be less effective in older people or people with weakened immune systems. However, these people still benefit from getting the vaccine because it helps prevents severe illness, hospitalization and death from the flu.
Does the seasonal flu vaccine protect against H1N1 (swine) flu?
Seasonal flu vaccine does not appear to provide any protection against H1N1.
Are there side effects from the seasonal flu vaccine?
The most common side effects are soreness or redness where the shot was given. These symptoms go away in a few days. Other side effects such as fever or aches are extremely rare. The risk of severe allergic reaction to a flu shot is less than 1 in 4 million.
Can the seasonal flu vaccine give me the flu?
No. The ingredients in the vaccine cannot cause the flu. The flu viruses in the vaccine are killed.
When should I get a seasonal flu vaccination?
October and November are the best months to get vaccinated, but December is not too late in most years.
Is there a cure or treatment available for the flu?
Mild flu is often treated with rest, medications to relieve symptoms and plenty of fluids. If the flu is diagnosed within 48 hours of when the symptoms begin, antiviral medications may help shorten the duration and severity of the illness. In most people, the flu lasts for seven to 10 days.
When do I call my doctor if I believe that I have the flu?
Serious illness from the seasonal flu is more likely in certain groups of people including people 65 and older, pregnant women, people with certain chronic medical conditions and young children. Anyone who is in these high-risk categories should immediately contact their doctor if they believe that they have the flu. Also, in children with the flu, parents should contact the doctor immediately if the child develops an oral temperature of 101 degrees Fahrenheit, are unable to keep fluids down, and/or become less responsive or lethargic.
Additional Seasonal Flu Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
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