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H1N1 update for 6 November 2009 -- influenza, vaccine, and progress
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's conference today was led by the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases Director, Anne Schuchat, M.D.
Dr. Schuchat discussed the latest news concerning H1N1 influenza, vaccine, and progress. According to Dr. Schuchat, the pace of progress is picking up. Today's conference focused on an update on H1N1 flu, vaccine supply, and vaccination efforts.
To date, 48 states have widespread activity - nearly all H1N1 - twice as much as last week. Of all doctor visit cases, 7.7% office visits are for flu. As a reminder, flu season can last until May. More than half hospitalizations are for persons under 25 years of age.
Dr. Schuchat stated that although predictions can be misleading, she expressed optimism regarding the future vaccine dissemination to individuals more readily in a shorter time. She stated that the population has learned how important communication is based on the past. Dr. Schuchat stressed staying informed.
To date, 129 children have died from the H1N1 virus, of which 2/3 had underlying conditions. Leading underlying conditions are cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and asthma ++ (also refer to information below.)
If an individual is getting worse, antivirals are highly recommended. Misconceptions about antivirals are address on the CDC website: www.flu.gov.
CDC has advised that if people do not know where to obtain vaccine, which is understandable, they can attempt to locate it later. Dr. Schuchat stated that in reality, 9 out of 10 people went to try again. Individuals recognize the value in obtaining the vaccine.
Current vaccine status: of the total 31 million doses of H1N1 vaccine, c. 19 million have shipped. The majority is in the injectible form.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that they still do not have enough vaccine, as supply does not equal demand. State and local health departments are in the best position to determine needs. The key is to prioritize groups.
FIVE priority groups with category match to type of recommended vaccine:
- Pregnant - injection
- Caregivers - intranasal spray or injection
- Children & young adults - either spray or injection
- Ages 25-64 with underlying condition - injection
- Health care worker - either spray or injection
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's goal is to place vaccine is the path of those who are in these priority groups. While progress is steady, the CDC expects variations from state to state, and stresses the importance for every available dose to be used as quickly as possible.
If an individual suspects they or someone they care for has the flu, these points are key:
- Stay home when sick
- Cover sneeze and cough to minimize spreading germs
- Stay informed
- Know warning signs
In children, the warning signs of H1N1 are:
- Fast or troubled breathing.
- Bluish skin color.
- Lack of thirst.
- Failure to wake up easily or interact.
- Irritability so that the child does not want to be held.
- Improvement of symptoms, then a return to fever and worse
cough.
- Fever with a rash.
++Parents should also seek medical help if flu symptoms develop in children most vulnerable to flu complications: those younger than 5 or with high-risk conditions, including asthma and other lung
problems; cerebral palsy, epilepsy and other neurological diseases; heart, kidney or liver problems; and diabetes.
Symptoms of H1N1 influenza:
•fever *
•cough
•sore throat
•runny or stuffy nose
•body aches
•headache
•chills
•fatigue
•sometimes diarrhea and vomiting
*It's important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.
Dr. Schuchat addressed possible mutations of H1N1: while this has not happened yet, it is likely and has occurred in the past, a few years after a new virus presents. Viruses may change year to year, as seen in the past. Finally, regarding waves of influenza: some states have realized waves that have lasted from August until now. While it is a concern, the general duration of flu in communities is uncertain.
Regarding seasonal flu, currently 91 million doses are available to ship. A reminder that December through May are peak flu season months for traditional influenza.
More on H1N1 and health:
All Health and Happiness Examiner articles, photographs, and artwork © 2009-2010 by Gabriella D. Filippi. Reprints granted with written permission. All rights reserved.
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