The spread of the Swine Flu (H1N1) continues, it is important to get the facts about the vaccination and preventing transmission of the virus.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the H1N1 virus "is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread." It was first detected in the US in April 2009.
Because this makes our regular flu season longer, more people will become ill and face more exaggerated symptoms than the regular flu virus. The CDC states that "Most people who have become ill with this new virus have recovered without requiring medical treatment."
However, because some people will require medical treatment and possibly die, it is important to help stop the spread of H1N1.
VaccinationThe H1N1 vaccine is now available. The suggested recipients of this vaccine differ from the regular flu because different age groups are more affected than others.
From the CDC: "CDC laboratory studies have shown that no children and very few adults younger than 60 years old have existing antibody to 2009 H1N1 flu virus; however, about one-third of adults older than 60 may have antibodies against this virus."
The vaccination has been tested and is deemed safe for those groups that are recommended to receive it. The H1N1 vaccine was made in the same way as the regular influenza vaccine. If you fall within the recommended groups, you should pay attention to when health providers in your area receive the vaccine.
Who should be vaccinated?This list was taken from the CDC website for
H1N1 Flu Vaccine Recommendations.
- Pregnant women because they are at higher risk of complications and can potentially provide protection to infants who cannot be vaccinated;
- Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age because younger infants are at higher risk of influenza-related complications and cannot be vaccinated. Vaccination of those in close contact with infants younger than 6 months old might help protect infants by “cocooning” them from the virus;
- Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel because infections among healthcare workers have been reported and this can be a potential source of infection for vulnerable patients. Also, increased absenteeism in this population could reduce healthcare system capacity;
- All people from 6 months through 24 years of age
- Children from 6 months through 18 years of age because cases of 2009 H1N1 influenza have been seen in children who are in close contact with each other in school and day care settings, which increases the likelihood of disease spread, and
- Young adults 19 through 24 years of age because many cases of 2009 H1N1 influenza have been seen in these healthy young adults and they often live, work, and study in close proximity, and they are a frequently mobile population; and,
- Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.
PreventionThese are the recommendations from the
H1N1 Flu & You website:
Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.
As always, you should eat healthy foods to keep your immune system in tip-top shape. Of course, American HealthCare Group can help your employees find out which foods are the healthiest! If you are interested in bringing healthy eating or other wellness programs into your place of business or community group,
please contact us.What are the symptoms of H1N1?The symptoms of H1N1 are the same as the seasonal influenza virus.
You may have the flu if you have some or all of these symptoms:
- 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.
