Health

MIAMI (CBS4) ―

 

1. What is H1N, also known as Swine Flu?
2009 H1N1 influenza (sometimes called Swine Flu) is caused by a new strain of influenza virus. It has spread to many countries.
Like other flu viruses, 2009 H1N1 spreads from person to person through coughing, sneezing, and sometimes through touching objects contaminated with the virus.

Signs of 2009 H1N1 can include:

• Fatigue • Fever • Sore Throat • Muscle Aches
• Chills • Coughing • Sneezing
Some people also have diarrhea and vomiting.
Most people feel better within a week. But some people get pneumonia or other serious illnesses. Some people have to be hospitalized and some die.

2. How is it different than regular seasonal flu?
Seasonal flu viruses change from year to year, but they are closely related to each other. People who have had flu infections in the past usually have some immunity to seasonal flu viruses (their bodies have built up some ability to fi ght off the viruses). The 2009 H1N1 flu virus is a new virus strain. It is very different from seasonal flu viruses. Most people have little or no immunity to 2009 H1N1 flu (their bodies are not prepared to fi ght off the virus).

3. Why is there so much talk about washing your hands for protection.
Like seasonal flu, swine flu spreads through the coughs and sneezes of people who are sick. Emphasize to children that they should wash with soap and water long enough to finish singing the alphabet song, "Now I know my ABC's..." Also use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

4. What types of vaccines are there?
Vaccines are available to protect against 2009 H1N1 influenza. These vaccines are made just like seasonal flu vaccines.
• They are expected to be as safe and effective as seasonal flu vaccines.
• They will not prevent "influenza-like" illnesses caused by other viruses.
• They will not prevent seasonal flu. You should also get seasonal influenza vaccine, if you want to be protected against seasonal flu.

Inactivated vaccine (vaccine that has killed virus in it) is injected into the muscle, like the annual flu shot.
A live, intranasal vaccine (the nasal spray vaccine) is also available.

Some inactivated 2009 H1N1 vaccine contains a preservative called thimerosal to keep it free from germs. Some people have suggested that thimerosal might be related to autism. In 2004 a group of experts at the Institute of Medicine reviewed many studies looking into this theory, and found no association between thimerosal and autism. Additional studies since then reached the same conclusion.

The live, intranasal vaccine does not contain thimerosal.

5. Is H1N1 as serious a problem as first thought?
So far, swine flu isn't much more threatening than regular seasonal flu. During the few months of this new flu's existence, hospitalizations and deaths from it seem to be lower than the average seen for seasonal flu, and the virus hasn't dramatically mutated. That's what health officials have observed in the Southern Hemisphere where flu season is now winding down. Still, more people are susceptible to swine flu and U.S. health officials are worried because it hung in so firmly here during the summer -- a time of year the flu usually goes away.

6. Are some people at greater risk from the virus than others?
Swine flu is more of a threat to certain groups -- children under 2, pregnant women, people with health problems like asthma, diabetes and heart disease. Teens and young adults are also more vulnerable to swine flu. Ordinary, seasonal flu hits older people the hardest, but not swine flu. Scientists think older people may have some immunity from exposure years earlier to viruses similar to swine flu.
--Who will be recommended to receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine?
CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recommended that certain groups of the population receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine when it first becomes available. These target groups include pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old, and people ages of 25 through 64 years of age who are at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.

We do not expect that there will be a shortage of 2009 H1N1 vaccine, but availability and demand can be unpredictable. There is some possibility that initially the vaccine will be available in limited quantities. In this setting, the committee recommended that the following groups receive the vaccine before others: pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, health care and emergency medical services personnel with direct patient contact, children 6 months through 4 years of age, and children 5 through 18 years of age who have chronic medical conditions.

The committee recognized the need to assess supply and demand issues at the local level. The committee further recommended that 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. Therefore, as vaccine supply and demand for vaccine among younger age groups is being met, programs and providers should offer vaccination to people over the age of 65.

7. Should children be vaccinated?
These groups should be first in line for swine flu shots, especially if vaccine supplies are limited -- people 6 months to 24 years old, pregnant women, health care workers.
Also a priority: Parents and caregivers of infants, people with those high-risk medical conditions previously noted.
What will be the recommended interval between the first and second dose 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.

8. Who should NOT get the vaccine, or should wait?
You should not get 2009 H1N1 vaccine if you have a severe (life-threatening) allergy to eggs, or to any other substance in the vaccine. Tell the person giving you the vaccine if you have any severe allergies.
2009 H1N1 LAIV should not be given to the following groups.
• children younger than 2 and adults 50 years and older
• pregnant women,
• anyone with a weakened immune system,
• anyone with a long-term health problem such as
- heart disease - kidney or liver disease
- lung disease - metabolic disease such as diabetes
- asthma - anemia and other blood disorders
• children younger than 5 years with asthma or one or more
episodes of wheezing during the past year,
• anyone with certain muscle or nerve disorders (such as cerebral palsy) that can lead to breathing or swallowing problems,
• anyone in close contact with a person with a severely weakened immune system (requiring care in a protected environment, such as a bone marrow transplant unit),
• children or adolescents on long-term aspirin treatment. If you are moderately or severely ill, you might be advised to wait until you recover before getting the vaccine. If you have a mild cold or other illness, there is usually no need to wait.
Tell your doctor if you ever had:
• a life-threatening allergic reaction after a dose of seasonal flu vaccine,
• Guillain-Barré syndrome (a severe paralytic illness also called GBS).

These may not be reasons to avoid the vaccine, but a health professional can help you decide.

9. What are the risks of taking the nasally administered (LAIV) vaccine?
A vaccine, like any medicine, could cause a serious problem, such as a severe allergic reaction. But the risk of any vaccine causing serious harm, or death, is extremely small.
The risks from 2009 H1N1 LAIV are expected to be similar to those from seasonal LAIV:

Mild problems:
Some children and adolescents 2-17 years of age have reported mild reactions, including:
• runny nose, nasal congestion or cough • fever
• headache and muscle aches • wheezing
• abdominal pain or occasional vomiting or diarrhea

Severe problems:
• Life-threatening allergic reactions to vaccines are very rare. If they do occur, it is usually within a few minutes to a few hours after the vaccination.
• In 1976, an earlier type of inactivated swine flu vaccine was associated with cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS).
LAIV has not been linked to GBS.

What if I have a severe reaction to the NAIV Vaccine? What should I look for?
Any unusual condition, such as a high fever or behavior changes. Signs of a severe allergic reaction can include difficulty breathing, hoarseness or wheezing, hives, paleness, weakness, a fast heart beat or dizziness.


10. What are the risks of taking the H1N1 injection?
The virus in inactivated 2009 H1N1 vaccine has been killed, so you cannot get influenza from the vaccine.
The risks from inactivated 2009 H1N1 vaccine are similar to those from seasonal inactivated flu vaccine:

Mild problems:
• soreness, redness, tenderness, or swelling where the shot was given
• fainting (mainly adolescents)
• headache, muscle aches • fever • nausea
If these problems occur, they usually begin soon after the shot and last 1-2 days.

Severe problems:
• Life-threatening allergic reactions to vaccines are very rare. If they do occur, it is usually within a few minutes to a few hours after the shot.
• In 1976, an earlier type of swine flu vaccine was associated with cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). Since then, flu vaccines have not been clearly linked to GBS.

What should I do?
• Call a doctor, or get the person to a doctor right away.
• Tell the doctor what happened, the date and time it happened, and when the vaccination was given.
• Ask your provider to report the reaction by fi ling a Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) form. Or you can fi le this report through the VAERS website at www.vaers.hhs.gov, or by calling 1-800-822-7967.

11. Does the vaccine immediately protect you?
No. Even those first in line for shots may not have immunity until around Thanksgiving. That's because it's likely to take two shots, given three weeks apart, to provide protection for those under ten. For those over 10, it takes a week or two after the shot for the vaccine to take full effect.

12. Have the vaccines been sufficiently tested?
The federal government has begun studies in eight cities across the country to assess its effectiveness and figure out the best dose. Vaccine makers are doing their own tests as well. Some critics say too few people have been involved in the tests, but health officials believe this vaccine should be treated like the annual traditional flu vaccine...as a variation of a long tested immunization agent, tweaked for a new strain.

13. Will the seasonal flu vaccine also protect against the 2009 H1N1 flu?
The seasonal flu vaccine is not expected to protect against the 2009 H1N1 flu.

14. Can the seasonal vaccine and the 2009 H1N1 vaccine be given at the same time?
Inactivated 2009 H1N1 vaccine can be administered at the same visit as any other vaccine. This is the type of vaccine used in shots. Live 2009 H1N1 vaccine, the kind used in nasal inhalers, can be administered at the same visit as any other live or inactivated vaccine EXCEPT seasonal live attenuated influenza vaccine.

15. Do those that have been previously vaccinated against the 1976 swine influenza need to get vaccinated against the 2009 H1N1 influenza?
The 1976 swine flu virus and the 2009 H1N1 virus are different enough that its unlikely a person vaccinated in 1976 will have full protection from the 2009 H1N1. People vaccinated in 1976 should still be given the 2009 H1N1 vaccine.

16. I'm worried. The H1N1 flu shot vaccine has not yet arrived and flu season is coming.
Millions of swine flu shots are available in some states, and are coming to South Florida soon. If you are in one of the priority groups, try to get your shot as early as possible.
Check with your doctor or local or state health department about where to do this. Many children should be able to get vaccinated at school. Permission forms will be sent home in advance.

17. Someone in my home or workplace has been tested, and may have H1N1.
If exposed before you're vaccinated, be extra cautious. Stay away from public gathering places like malls, sports events and churches. Try to keep your distance from people in general. Keep washing those hands and keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth.

18. What if I get sick?
If you have other health problems or are pregnant and develop flu-like symptoms, call your doctor right away. You may be prescribed Tamiflu or Relenza. These drugs can reduce the severity of swine flu if taken right after symptoms start. If you develop breathing problems (rapid breathing for kids), pain in your chest, constant vomiting or a fever that keeps rising, go to an emergency room. Most people, though, should just stay home and rest. Cough into your elbow or shoulder. Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever breaks. Fluids and pain relievers like Tylenol can help with achiness and fever. Always check with a doctor before giving children any medicines. Adult cold and flu remedies are not for them.

19. Where will the vaccine be available?
Vaccine will be available in a combination of settings such as vaccination clinics organized by local health departments, healthcare provider offices, schools, and other private settings, such as pharmacies and workplaces. As vaccine is available in South Florida, we'll share that information here

20. I really don't want to be vaccinated. Are there other ways to prevent the spread of illness?
Take everyday actions to stay healthy.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.*
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.
 

Sources: Florida Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control, Miami-Dade Health Department

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