November 5, 2009
H1N1 is currently prevalent in our area. We have seen numerous
confirmed cases in our offices, and some with significant pulmonary involvement.
We are currently awaiting the arrival of the H1N1 vaccine
which should be here within the next week. Merrilea Reeves,
MTFP practitioner states the health department has already
received their vaccines which are being administered. If you would like
to receive the vaccine and are in the high risk group, contact our nursing
staff so we can allocate doses appropriately when they arrive. As soon as
our vaccines are available, we will post our vaccination clinic plan on
our website.
The spread of the H1N1 virus is person to person through
coughing, sneezing droplets and through objects contaminated with the virus.
The virus is a new type of Influenza A virus that contains components of
swine, bird and human influenza virus. You cannot get swine flu from eating
pork.
Novel H1N1 Symptoms 2009
Fever: About 90% of patients have fever
Cough: About 84% report have cough
Sore Throat: About 61% have sore throat
Stuffy nose, body aches, chills and fatigue
Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea in some people
Reasons for concern
- Novel H1N1 is new, so many people don’t have immunity to
it
- Easily passed from human
- Spreads rapidly
- Like influenza, it can overtake and mingle with other flu
viruses
- If it changes, it has the potential to become lethal
Vaccines
CDC’s advisory comments on immunizing:
The vaccines are in short supply. We are still waiting on
our H1N1 vaccine.
What groups are recommended to get the vaccine?
1st group: Pregnant women, healthcare and EMS workers, children
6 months to 5 years with medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes or
cardiac
2nd group: Children 5 to 8 years with medical condition, household contacts with children 6 months of age including siblings, young adults 19-24 years with medical condition, 25-64 with compromised immune systems
Prevention
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or
sneeze. Throw tissue in trash after you use it. Wash your hands often with
soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If soap and water
is not available, use alcohol based hand rub. Avoid touching your eyes,
nose, or mouth. Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay
at home from work or school and limit contact with others. Follow public
health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds, and other social
distancing measures.
Antivirals
CDC interim guidance for use of antiviral drugs.
Links
CDC Recommendations
Questions and Answers:
Antiviral Drugs
Contamination
and Cleaning
