On April 21, 2009, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported the first H1N1 (swine) flu infection in two children with onsets of March 28 & 30 and on June 11 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a pandemic. Although the number of deaths from H1N1 does not yet approach the number that we see each year from the regular seasonal flu (36,000 according to the CDC), the effect that it will have on the 2009 - 2010 influenza season is unknown. The possibility exists that the virus could cause a substantial increase in flu cases and deaths this flu season.
Like seasonal flu, the H1N1 virus is spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with flu. When a healthy person breathes in these flu germs, or gets them in their eyes, nose, or mouth, they are likely to become ill. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. The virus lives on hard surfaces such as countertops door knobs, phones, keyboards, etc. for two to eight hours. Therefore, it is advisable to wipe down hard surfaces that are touched frequently with a disinfectant or household cleaner. The H1N1 flu virus is not transmitted by food, including pork products.
For the bulk of the general population H1N1 is not life-threatening. You'll be achy, run a fever, sneeze, and experience the rest of the usual symptoms. The incubation period is one to five days, so you'll probably never realize it was a door knob that infected you.
According to the CDC, August 4, 2009: "The 2009 H1N1 vaccine is expected to be available in the fall. More specific dates cannot be provided at this time as vaccine availability depends on several factors including manufacturing time and time needed to conduct clinical trials.
Oddly, this variety of flu strikes younger people, unlike most strains, which fall hardest on the elderly. CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recommended the following target groups receive the vaccine when it becomes available: pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old, and people ages of 25 through 64 years of age who are at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.
The 1976 swine flu virus and the 2009 H1N1 virus are different enough that it's unlikely a person vaccinated in 1976 will have full protection from the 2009 H1N1. People vaccinated in 1976 should still be given the 2009 H1N1 vaccine if they fall into one of the target groups. In addition, the seasonal flu vaccine is not expected to protect against the 2009 H1N1 flu."
The first and most important line of prevention is HAND WASHING followed by the vaccine when it becomes available for the target groups. Washing your hands four or five times a day is not enough. Wash them at all the conventional times plus when you arrive home after being out, after shaking hands at church, after you handle the menu and order in a restaurant, and more. If soap is not available use the Alcohol-based hand cleaner.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. The virus is easily spread that way. And finally, stay home if you get sick. The CDC recommends that you stay home for 24 hours after you last have fever (without fever reducing medication.)
If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. This fall, antivirals may be prioritized for persons with severe illness or those at higher risk for flu complications.
According to the CDC, wearing a face mask provides little protection unless it is used on the person who is ill.
The media (including the Internet) are bombarding us with information re H1N1 much of which is not accurate. Here are some reliable resources to keep abreast of H1N1 information as it unfolds this fall. The Florida Department of Health's (DOH) toll-free information line for H1N1 Swine Flu is now operational at (877) 352-3581. The lines will be open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Additional information can be found at: DOH www.MyFluSafety.com; Health Department www.SarasotaHealth.org; Federal site www.flu.gov; the CDC web site www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu; Sarasota County www.scgov.net.
Note: The Sarasota County information line (941) 861-2800 makes available information regarding locations that are currently giving the seasonal flu shots service area.
WASH YOUR HANDS !
Remember, washing your hands is the most significant step for preventing the spread of germs and illness. Start healthy hand washing habits today!
In His Great Love,
Janet Headley, RN
Janet is the very busy Parish Nurse at Trinity United Methodist Church and worked with Norma Pitzer at the Sarasota Health Department. She has graciously agreed to share her newsletter articles with us.
