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Article: SWINE FLU PANDEMIC
UPDATE: The latest on Swine (2009 H1N1) flu vaccine as of October 1, 2009:
The FDA has approved multiple vaccines for distribution including with and without thimerisol, and live nasal (Flumist). All are made in the exact same way the yearly flu is made each year, with the same risks and benefits. This greatly reduces our fear of lack of proven safety or studies. There are no adjuvants being used.
We still are seeing swine flu as being a little worse than a cold, but not nearly as bad as yearly flu. But with the revised safety profile, we amend our previous recommendation to a mild recommendation to give. We still think the yearly flu vaccine is the most important between the two, but if you want to protect yourself and your family to the fullest extent, then both would be appropriate.
Great Destinations has asked for the Flumist form of swine flu. Based on the yearly flu studies, we think the protection is better. We are also trying to secure enough for adults.
Rules on Administration:
- 2 y/o – 49 y/o only
- Children 2-9 will need TWO doses 1 month apart
- All Flumist doses (including yearly) must be separated by 1 month and may not be given simultaneously. (but may be given with other immunizations)
- May not take if you have an egg allergy or have been on oral steroids in the last month.
On June 11, 2009 the WHO (World Health Organization) issued a global pandemic alert for Novel Influenza A or H1N1 (formerly called Swine Flu). This declaration occurred because of the rapid spread of the new H1N1 virus, not the severity of the disease. The WHO states the H1N1 is the fastest-moving pandemic ever reported, but most people recover fully without problems and without the use of medications. The U.S. has the highest numbers of people infected with the H1N1 to date.
Why is Every One Freaked Out?
The Novel H1N1 is a new flu virus of swine origin. Typically, flu strains do not move from animals to humans, but last spring it did. It then went on to move rapidly from human to human. The major fear of this particular virus is a re-enactment of the 1918 flu epidemic that killed more than 50 million people worldwide. This occurred during World War I when massive amounts of people were in crowded situations and anti-viral medications were unheard of. Because we have anti-viral medications and good medical care, it is unlikely we will have that situation repeated.
What is The Real Fear?
There are two types of Influenza A, Yearly Influenza A and “Swine” Flu or H1N1. Doctors anticipate this will be one of the worst Yearly Influenza A (not H1N1) seasons in decades. The Yearly Influenza A hits the U.S. between September and April each year. In the U.S. 200,000 people are hospitalized with and 36,000 Americans die each year from Yearly Influenza A.
How are Yearly Influenza A and Novel H1N1?
Both flu’s are spread through the coughs and sneezes of people sick with the virus and by touching infected objects.
What are the Symptoms of Yearly Influenza A and H1N1?
High Fevers, Chills, Headaches, Body Aches, Fatigue
Any of the above symptoms accompanied with vomiting, diarrhea, runny nose and sore throat.
What Can We Do to Prevent Yearly Influenza A and Novel H1N1 Flu?
- Good and frequent hand washing.
- Cover mouth when coughing and sneezing.
- Immunize your kids and yourself against Influenza A
- Never share food and drinks.
- At the first sign of flu-like illness, see your doctor. If Influenza (yearly or H1N1) is caught in the first 48 hours your doctor can prescribe anti-viral medications. After 48 hours, the anti-viral medications do not work. There is a nasal swab test your doctor can do to see if you have the flu.
- Avoid sick kids (THIS MEANS THAT IF YOUR CHILD HAS FEVER > 100 DEGREES AND ANY SIGNS OF FLU THEY SHOULD NOT GO TO SCHOOL OR PRACTICE)
*The CDC (Center for Disease Control) is recommending that people with Influenza-like illness stay home at least 24 hours after they are fever free without fever medications.
Also, kids under 18 years old should never take aspirin due to rare but fatal disease called Reye’s syndrome. Tylenol and Motrin are fine.
Yearly Influenza Vaccine:
In the past the CDC recommended everyone in a high risk group be vaccinated. The high risk groups included: children 5 and under, children and adults with chronic illness (such as asthma, heart disease, and diabetes), pregnant women, health-care workers and those over 65. This year the CDC is recommending everyone get the Yearly Influenza A vaccine.
H1N1 (Swine) Flu Vaccine:
The CDC has been working on a vaccine for the H1N1 flu, but it is not expected to be ready until October or November. Our pediatric group is holding recommendations on this vaccine awaiting further information.