H1N1 Questions and Answers

I was recently on WBOC news to answer questions about the H1N1 influenza. WBOC arranged a telephone and online chat helpline which was very successful and helped alleviate some of the concerns about the flu. Here are some of the more frequently asked questions:

Who qualifies for the vaccine?
1. Pregnant women
2. People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
3. Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
4. Persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old
5. People ages of 25 through 64 years of age with chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.

What are some of the chronic health disorders?
1. Cerebral palsy, epilepsy (seizure disorders), stroke, intellectual disability (mental retardation), moderate to severe developmental delay, muscular dystrophy, or spinal cord injury
2. Chronic lung disease, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis
3. Congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, heart attack
4. Sickle cell disease
5. Diabetes
6. Kidney disorders, end stage renal disease
7. Liver disorders, cirrhosis, hepatitis, Crohns disease
8. Metabolic disorders and mitochondrial disorders
9. Weakened immune system due to disease or medication (such as people with HIV, cancer, or those on chronic steroids)
10. People younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy

This list is NOT a complete list, please contact your physician for further information

Why are individuals over 65 years of age not being vaccinated?
Current studies indicate the risk for infection among persons age 65 or older is less than the risk for younger age groups. Therefore, as vaccine supply and demand for vaccine among younger age groups is being met, providers should eventually offer vaccination to people over the age of 65.

Is the H1N1 vaccine safe?
Yes. The H1N1 vaccine is FDA approved. The vaccine is made just like the seasonal flu.

Who should NOT get the vaccine?
1. People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs
2. People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination
3. People who developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) within 6 weeks of getting an influenza vaccine previously
4. Children younger than 6 months of age (influenza vaccine is not approved for this age group),
5. People who have a moderate-to-severe illness with a fever (they should wait until they recover to get vaccinated.)

What are the side effects of the vaccine?
1. Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
2. Fainting (mainly adolescents)
3. Headache
4. Muscle aches
5. Mild fever
6. Nausea.
If these problems occur, they usually begin soon after the shot and last 1-2 days.

I received my vaccine. What are the concerning side effects?
After vaccination you should look for any unusual signs or symptoms, such as a high fever or behavior changes. Signs of a serious allergic reaction can include difficulty breathing, hoarseness or wheezing, swelling around the eyes or lips, hives, paleness, weakness, a fast heart beat or dizziness. If any unusual condition occurs following vaccination, seek medical attention right immediately!!!

What is the difference between the seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu?
The symptoms of both are very similar, which includes fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea.

The main difference is H1N1 is a novel virus which means it is a new strand to humans. Children and young adults are prone to getting this strand because their immune system has no previous experience battling it. Older adults may have some immunity protection from prior exposures to similar viral strands.

My child has asthma. Can he get the nasal mist vaccine?
No. The mist is only for healthy individuals 2 years to 49 years of age who are not pregnant.

I am breastfeeding. Can I get the vaccine?
Yes.

My child has asthma. The school is giving out the mist form. Can he go to school?
Yes. It is safe for a child with asthma to go to school and be around the children who received the mist vaccine. He/she should not get the mist vaccine but instead receive the injectable form.

The estimated risk of getting infected with vaccine virus after close contact with a person vaccinated with the nasal-spray flu vaccine is low (0.6%-2.4%).

What is the difference between the nasal mist and the injectable vaccine?
The nasal mist is made with a weakened, live virus. The injectable is made with an inactivated killed virus.

When does immunity begin?
8 days to two weeks

Why does my 5 year old need two shots?
The CDC recommends that the two doses of 2009 H1N1 vaccine be separated by 4 weeks in children 9 years of age and younger. The first dose only provides moderate immunity. The second dose provides up to 96% effectivity.

Where do I get the vaccine?
If you fall in the priority groups, contact your primary physician. If it is unavailable, contact the state health department. WBOC has the links on their webpage.

How many people have died from the H1N1 flu?
There have been approximately 4,000 deaths.

Are more vaccines coming?
Yes. The Federal Government has purchased about 250 million vaccines and about 40 million have been already allocated.

I do not qualify for the vaccine. How do I prevent myself from catching the flu?
1. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or elbow/upper arm when you cough or sneeze.
2. Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
4. Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

I think I have the flu. How do I get tested?
Testing is done via nasal swab/washing. Testing is performed by the physician's discretion but is currently limited to hospitalized individuals and severely ill patients.

Do I need the H1N1 vaccine if I had the H1N1 flu?
If the flu was confirmed to be H1N1, it is not necessary to be vaccinated.

Contact your primary physician for more information. Other useful websites include
CDC
WBOC flu resource page

Thank you.