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Some Facts About H1N1 “Swine” Flu, Vaccines and Anti-viral Medication

By Noah Nesin, MD

As the current H1N1 pandemic grows there have been rapidly increasing concern over the disease and the vaccine for it. There are some very important facts which can help to reduce our fears.

The illness caused by H1N1 has largely been mild to moderate and of short duration. Although the severe cases and complications are dramatic they are fortunately rare.
The illness continues to affect mostly young people.
Pregnant women, the very young and young people with compromised immune systems are at greater risk.
H1N1 Vaccine is arriving in the state and is being distributed. However none of us in the health care field knows in advance when and how much vaccine we will receive. Therefore planning for the administration of the vaccine must be done in the short term, once we receive vaccine. The shipments will come in smaller amounts, in multiple deliveries and over a matter of weeks, so patience is very important.
Highest risk populations will be immunized first. In the first wave of immunizations pregnant women, people 6 months to 24 years of age, and primary caregivers for infants under 6 months of age will be targeted. Priority will be given to pregnant women and the youngest children first.
Health care workers and people aged 25 to 64 with chronic disease (diabetes, asthma, heart disease and cancer) will also be targeted early on.
These priorities are set by the Centers for Disease Control, not the hospitals, schools or Health Access Network.
H1N1 vaccine comes in two forms, an injection and a nasal spray. The nasal spray is safe and effective for people aged 2 to 49 but should not be given to people with asthma and other chronic lung disease, diabetes, kidney failure, chronic heart disease or to pregnant women. The injection is safe and effective for people age 6 months and older. Neither vaccine should be given to people with egg allergy.
If you have had the injectable form of the seasonal flu vaccine, or if you are receiving the injectable form of the H1N1 vaccine, there is no need to delay the H1N1 vaccine for any period of time after the seasonal flu vaccine.
Children under the age of 10 will require two H1N1 vaccines 4 weeks apart.
Antiviral medication (Tamiflu) should be used only in people who are significantly ill with H1N1 or who are ill and at high risk for complications. It is not recommended that we use it for the mildly ill or to prevent disease, except in the highest risk populations. Overuse and hoarding of Tamiflu will result in a shortage, making it unavailable to the people who need it most.

If we, as a community, remain calm, communicate clearly, resist rumors and educate ourselves thoroughly we will all benefit. And remember, respiratory hygiene is the most important thing each of us can do! Cover your cough, stay home if you have a fever and cough, wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer liberally.