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Get an email alert when H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine is available in King County
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Doses of the swine flu vaccine (AP/Harnik)
So far this fall, there has been one death in King County attributed to the fall season of the swine flu, also known as H1N1 flu. The victim, a man in his 20s, died from complications of H1N1 influenza and underlying health conditions on Tuesday, October 14. Since April 25, there have been 82 hospitalizations in King County due to H1N1 flu, according to the Public Heath Department of Seattle and King County. A quarter of those who have been hospitalized have required intensive care, and 3 of those patients died (before the fall flu season).
Although the swine flu is a different version of the flu, it is turning out to be a much more dramatic version. One victim of the swine flu described it as the worst flu she had ever had. "I couldn't even get out of bed for 5 days," she told Seattle Eastside Family Examiner. "I'm certain that I will get the vaccine for me and my son when it is available. I can't let him experience this. It is horrible."
Getting the vaccine for the swine flu, however, is difficult at this time. According to the Public Health Department of Seattle and King County, a shipment of 20,000 doses arrived in King County last week and has been dedicated to vaccinating health care workers on the front lines. Another shipment of 30,000 doses is expected to arrive soon to be used for the most at-risk patients. Priority for these doses is being given to pregnant women first, who are most vulnerable to the swine flu and its complications. Next come people who live with or care for children under 6 months- very young babies cannot receive the vaccine, therefore the best way to protect them is to protect the people most likely to infect them. Also included in the high priority list: people between 6 months and 24 years old and adults under 65 with chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems.
The Public Health Department expects larger quantities of the vaccine to become available for the general public over the next few weeks. As the shipments arrive, they will be distributed through pharmacies and community clinics.
To keep the public informed as more vaccine becomes available, the Public Health Department has created an email alert system. To receive updates and information when and where the vaccine will be available, sign up here for the email alert.
Here are tips from the Public Health Department should you become sick with the swine flu:
- If you are sick with the flu, you may be ill for a week or longer. Please stay home so you can get better and prevent others from getting ill. Drink plenty of fluids and rest as much as possible. Do not go to work or school until at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine (like Tylenol and ibuprofen).
- Only go out if you need medical care or other important supplies. If you leave the house to seek medical care, wear a facemask.
- Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap or use a hand sanitizer.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the sleeve of your elbow.
- Avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness, especially to people at high risk of serious illlness if they catch the flu.
- You don’t need to see your doctor unless you have unusually severe illness. Most people experience and recover from H1N1 flu just as they do from seasonal flu.
- Public Health does not recommend getting a note from a doctor to return to work, school or child care after you are well again. Writing notes takes away valuable time from patients who need immediate medical care.
Other articles on swine flu:
Swine flu vaccine backlash continues while Overlake Hospital offers free vaccine to pregnant women
Washington State will allow mercury in swine flu vaccines for pregnant women and small children
Swine flu prevention tips - keep your family safe
"Fake" swine flu vaccine sold over the internet
More information about the Swine Flu
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