More about H1N1 Influenza . . .
Frequently asked Questions
What is H1N1? Why do I need to worry about H1N1? How can I protect myself and my children? Does anyone I know have H1N1? Who should get the H1N1 vaccine? Is the vaccine safe? What about this nasal spray? When will the vaccine be available? How much will cost? If I have had flu symptoms do I still need the vaccine?
What is H1N1? 2009 H1N1 influenza is influenza caused by a new strain of virus. Like other influenza viruses it spreads from person to person through coughing, sneezing and sometimes touching objects contaminated with the virus. It causes the same symptoms as other influenza viruses.
Why do I need to worry about H1N1? Because it is a new virus most people do not have any immunity to it. Since most people do not have immunity to the virus it is possible that many, many people could become ill with this virus. Most people have mild general flu symptoms that are gone in a few days. Some people develop complications, including pneumonia, other serious illness and some people die from the virus. Those who seem to experience complications most often from illness caused by this virus are young children, pregnant women and adults with chronic diseases such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes or weakened immune system. The number of people infected with this virus, hospitalized with severe illness, and dying from this infection or the complications that arise is growing each day.
How can I protect myself or my children? The best way to protect yourself or your children is to have your self and your children vaccinated for influenza, first with seasonal flu vaccine and then with H1N1 vaccine as soon as the vaccine is available in your area. Until the vaccine is available, try to stay healthy by avoiding people you know are sick, eating healthy foods, getting an adequate amount of sleep and exercise. Wash your hands often and teach your children to do that also. If you do become ill practice the 3 C’s. Cover your cough by coughing into your elbow or sleeve rather than your hand, Contain the virus by staying home when you are ill and keeping your children home when they are ill. Children and adults should stay home until they have been fever free without the use of fever lowering medicines for at least 24 hours. The third C is Clean. Wash your hands and those of your children. Young children will need help using the soap and rubbing their hands together.
Does anyone in my town, school, church, etc have H1N1? While the Health Department can’t say for sure if anyone in your area has H1N1 we can say it is very likely that they do. There have seen several people in Macoupin County who have tested positive for Influenza A. In studies done earlier over 90 % of the specimens that were positive for Influenza A were also positive for H1N1. Currently only those who are seriously ill or hospitalized are being tested for H1N1. Many people are having flu like symptoms and being tested for Influenza A and it is safe to assume that a high percentage of those who test positive do have H1N1.
Who should get the H1N1 vaccine? The Center for Disease Control has listed priority groups for receiving the vaccine initially. Those priority groups are pregnant women, children between 6 months and 18 years of age, adults providing in home or out of home care for infants less than 6 months of age, health care workers who provide patient care, young adults between 19 and 24 and adults between 25 and 64 who have long term illnesses. The Health Department will offer vaccine to all adults as the vaccine supplies increase and the priority groups are served.
Is the H1N1 vaccine safe for me or my children? The same companies that have made our seasonal flu vaccine are making the H1N1 vaccine. They are using the same processes that they use for making seasonal flu vaccines and in most instances the same sites. Seasonal influenza vaccine has a long record of safety and effectiveness.
If I have had flu symptoms do I still need the vaccine? If you were ill with flu symptoms but did not have a test specifically for H1N1 you should get vaccinated if your physician recommends it. Many people are being tested for Influenza A and while it is very likely that those who test positive for influenza A actually do have H1N1 the test is not a test specifically for H1N1.
What about this nasal spray? Nasal spray is live weakened virus that is sprayed into the nostrils. Like other weakened live virus vaccines (chickenpox vaccine for example) it is designed not to cause the disease. It can be used for healthy, non pregnant people between the ages of 2 and 49. The process and manufacturer used for the nasal spray vaccine are the same as for the seasonal nasal spray which has been used for several years.
When will the vaccine be available? Each local health department is making plans for distributing the H1N1 vaccine in the county it serves. Private physicians and other vaccine providing agencies such as pharmacies and visiting nurse associations are also able to get and administer the vaccine. In Macoupin County the Health Department will begin providing vaccine in November. Clinics will be held in each school district. The Health Department will provide vaccine according to the priority groups the Center for Disease Control guidelines. Then as more vaccine is available, vaccine will be offered to the rest of the population. You can check your local newspaper or listen to WSMI for information about when Health Department clinics will be scheduled in your community. For information about vaccine provided by those other than the Health Department please contact that provider.
How much will the vaccine cost? Vaccine given at a Health Department clinic will be free. The Health Department is allowed to bill Medicaid and Medicare for an administration fee. Physicians and other vaccine providers have the option of charging an administration fee for the vaccine.
Where and when are the clinics? For more information or for a Health Department clinic scheduled near you contact the Health Department at 217-854-3223 or check our web site at www.mcphd.net.