The 2009-2010 flu season promises to be one of the worst in many years. On Saturday, Oct. 24, President Barack Obama declared the swine flu a national emergency, allowing hospitals and local governments to speedily set up alternate sites and procedures to handle any surge of patients. In Broward County, 11 deaths and 88 hospitalizations from swine flu have been reported as of Nov. 17.
The best way to prevent the flu is to be vaccinated. This year there are two separate vaccines administered. The first is the seasonal flu vaccine, which has been available since September. Many people have already received this vaccine either from their private physician or from retail outlets, such as Walgreens or CVS. It contains three strains of virus: two are identical to last year’s vaccine, and one has been changed to a slightly different strain of influenza B.
The second vaccine is for the 2009 H1N1, (swine flu), influenza virus. This is a new virus first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. Virtually all (98 percent) of the influenza cases reported so far in the United States have been caused by this new virus. Most people infected with this virus have a self-limited illness, but some require treatment, and deaths have occurred.
The vaccine for the 2009 H1N1 is being distributed through the local health departments. Initially there had been a shortage of vaccine but more is becoming available. As of Nov. 20, 54.1 million doses have been available in the U.S., an increase of 11 million doses since the previous week. It is available at public health facilities and some local physician offices. Providers administering vaccine are honor-bound to follow CDC guidelines.
Initially the vaccine will be made available to the following groups:
1) 6 months to 24 years of age
2) Pregnant women
3) Healthcare workers
4) Patients with chronic illness (Asthma, diabetes, chronic respiratory illness or immunosuppressed or compromised) and household contacts of such people.
As vaccines become more available, the second group will be targeted: people 25 to 64 years of age.And finally, when the vaccine is plentiful: people 65 and older.
The reason for this is that the H1N1 influenza seems to be more serious in younger individuals, perhaps because older people have a partial immunity from exposure to a similar virus when they were younger.
The vaccine for H1N1 is made in the same way as the seasonal flu vaccine, which has an excellent safety record. People should not avoid the vaccination out of fear. The real risk from H1N1 far outweighs any theoretical worry of vaccine-related problems. So far, the most common side effect is a little discomfort at the vaccination site.
Remember to take simple measures to stay healthy:
1) Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough.
2) Wash your hands often with soap and water.
3) Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
4) Stay home if you get sick, and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
If you feel you have the flu and are seriously ill, your doctor may prescribe one of the antiviral agents, such as Tamiflu or Relenza. These are most effective if started within two or three days of symptoms. As always, if you have any individual or specific health-related questions, the best source of information is your own personal physician.
Richard J. Wilbur, M.D. is Board Certified in Internal Medicine. Dr. Wilbur practices at
Safecare Medical Center’s Hollywood office, located at 4050 D Sheridan St., Hollywood, FL 33021. For an appointment with Dr. Wilbur, contact his office at 954-989-7441 or
online at www.safecare.com.
