Understanding the Recommendations for Vaccination, Prevention and Treatment of ‘Seasonal’ and ‘H1N1’ Influenza
There has been very little H1N1 illness in people over 65 since the virus was first identified this year. In contrast, the annual seasonal flu continues to be serious, even deadly, for older adults. Over 90% of seasonal flu-related deaths have been in people 65 and older; 90% of H1N1 flu-related deaths have been in people younger than 65.
H1N1 (commonly called swine flu) is a new virus that is spreading in the US and throughout the world. Millions of people have had the swine flu this year and the majority recovered quickly without problems. President Obama declared the outbreak a national emergency last week, not because there were new developments in the spread of the flu, but rather to allow local governments to set emergency plans in place for treating people who may develop complications of the flu if the need arises.
H1N1 influenza is now widespread in 46 states at the same rate as the peak of a typical winter flu season. Like the seasonal flu, not everyone exposed to the virus will become ill, and, if they do, the illness from H1N1 can vary from mild to severe. Recent studies show that about a third of adults over 60 have some natural immunity resulting from a similar virus that was widespread in the world prior to 1950.
As a result, there have been relatively few infections and even fewer cases of serious illness and death with this new virus in this age group. However, older people with high risk medical conditions like heart, lung and kidney disease who do become ill with H1N1 are more likely to have serious complications.
Understanding how flu viruses spread
H1N1 and seasonal flu are spread mainly in the droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze. The droplets may be projected across a room and stay on surfaces like tables or countertops for 2-8 hours. The virus is spread when another person breathes in the droplets or touches the contaminated surface and then touches their own mouth, nose or eyes.
People infected with both H1N1 and seasonal flu may be able to infect others starting one day before getting sick to 5-7 days after.
Symptoms of both H1N1 and seasonal flu can include fever (usually above 100 degrees), sore throat, cough, body aches and fatigue. Some people may have vomiting or diarrhea.
Protect yourself and others this flu season
Vaccinations
Prevent the spread of the flu by vaccination. The CDC recommends that the highest risk group for serious complications from the seasonal flu, people 65 and older, get their annual flu vaccine as soon as it is available. It takes the body about 2 weeks to build up immunity. However, if you are unable to get the vaccine now, it’s not too late to get it in December and beyond, since flu is most common in January and February.
There will be limited amounts of the H1N1 vaccines available at first. They will again target the highest risk groups, this time people under age 65 and all those with medical conditions associated with a higher risk of flu complications. When the 2009 H1N1 vaccine becomes widely available (predicted to be in December or January), the CDC recommends everyone over 65 get the vaccine.
Everyday actions to protect your health
- Wash your hands often.
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers frequently to clean your hands.
- Cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or cough into your elbow (not your hands), and throw the tissue into the trash after you use it.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are spread this way.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
Treating the flu
If you develop flu symptoms, stay home to prevent spreading the virus until at least 24 hours after your fever is gone.
Seek medical advice quickly if you develop any of these warning signs of potential complications:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
Because people over 65 who do become ill have a higher chance of developing serious medical complications, call your doctor’s office for advice and possible anti-viral medications if you believe you have the flu.
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