What is the best way I can avoid getting the H1N1/Swine Flu?
Will the seasonal flu shot protect me against the H1N1/Swine Flu?
How else can I avoid getting and spreading the H1N1/Swine Flu?
How can
complications from H1N1/Swine Flu be prevented in those at increased risk?
What is the best way I can avoid getting the H1N1/Swine Flu?
· The most effective prevention is vaccination. H1N1 vaccines are currently being manufactured and distributed across the United States. Vaccine availability will initially be limited as product comes off the manufacturers’ production lines.
· We all wish we had the full amount of vaccine that will eventually be made available to us now, but we don’t. Quality and safety is most important and vaccine production takes time.
· The first few months of vaccine will be targeted to those at increased risk of infection or its complications. This includes pregnant women, caregivers of infants less than 6 months of age, persons age 6 months to 24 years, people age 25 – 64 years with underlying health problems that increase the risk of complications and health care workers.
· Over time, supply will increase. By at least January 2010, if not before, anyone who would like to receive vaccine should be able to do so.
· It is recommended that you get vaccinated as soon as doses are available for your individual risk level. Since we don’t have all the vaccine supply that will eventually be available at once, those at high risk will receive vaccines before those who are at lower risk.
· Your local health department can tell you when vaccine becomes available for your risk level. Or, you can Sign up for updates to know when target groups are changing more broadly.
Will the seasonal flu shot protect me against the H1N1/Swine Flu?
· No. A seasonal flu shot will not protect you against the H1N1/Swine Flu. The H1N1/Swine Flu is a different strain of the influenza virus and requires a specific H1N1/Swine Flu vaccine.
How else can I avoid getting and spreading the H1N1/Swine Flu?
· Wash your hands frequently or use alcohol-based sanitizer to cleanse your hands when soap and water are not available.
· Sneeze and cough into a tissue (dispose of the tissue immediately) or cough into your elbow or shoulder when tissues are not available.
· Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes. These are the places through which the H1N1/Swine Flu virus can enter your body.
· If you feel ill, stay home. People with H1N1/Swine Flu should stay home from work or school until they have been fever free for 24 hours off of fever reducing medications. While a person becomes less contagious after their fever is gone, they still can shed small amounts of the virus for a few more days. Thus, it is important to continue good handwashing and covering of coughs and sneezes upon return to work or school.
· Even once you are vaccinated, you should continue these measures, for no vaccine is 100% effective. In addition, these behaviors help prevent spread of other flu and cold viruses.
How can complications from H1N1 flu be prevented in those at increased risk?
While anyone can have complications from H1N1 flu, some people are at increased risk of serious complications, such as pneumonia, hospitalization, or death from H1N1 flu. It is important for these individuals to call and talk to their healthcare provider early if they develop fever and respiratory symptoms. Sometimes they need special medications, called antivirals. Early treatment of these individuals can help prevent complications from H1N1 flu.
· Children under the age of 5, especially those under the age of 2
· Individuals with underlying health problems such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, lung disease (including asthma), cancer, kidney disorders, liver disorders, neurological disorders, neuromuscular disorders and weakened immune systems
· Children under the age of 19 who take long term aspirin therapy (because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome).
Sometimes, when people at high risk of complications have very close contact with a person with H1N1 Flu, antivirals are used to prevent disease in the individual who was exposed. An alternative is to watch for development of symptoms and provide early treatment if symptoms develop.
