FLU UPDATE
November 2, 2009
H1N1 INFLUENZA (SOMETIMES CALLED “SWINE FLU”)
· We are probably at the peak of the H1N1 flu now. Typical symptoms include fever, severe aches and pains, extreme fatigue, and dry cough.
· Injections for the H1N1 flu are only recommended for people at high risk for complications, including: pregnant women, people younger than 25, health care workers with direct patient contact, and people 25 to 65 with conditions such as diabetes, asthma, emphysema, or compromised immune system. Also, anyone caring for an infant younger than 6 months should receive the injection.
· Safety: the H1N1 vaccine is made in exactly the same way as the seasonal flu vaccine, so it appears to be very safe.
· Availability of the H1N1 injection is very limited as of now. It is anticipated that enough will become available over the next several weeks. We will not have the H1N1 vaccine at our office. We will post on our website where the vaccine will available once we know. You can also go to: www.flu.gov for more up to date information on where to find the vaccine.
· Treatment: if you have typical symptoms of influenza, do try to come in for a visit within the first 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. If you appear to have influenza (and not a bacterial infection), we will give a prescription for “Tamiflu”. This will reduce the intensity and duration of symptoms. Also helpful are Tylenol, ibuprofen, lots of fluids, and plenty of rest.
· If you are exposed to H1N1 influenza by someone in your household, the CDC recommends preventive Tamiflu only if you are at high risk for complications (see above). If you are exposed to the H1N1 flu and start to have typical symptoms, do call immediately. We may want to begin Tamiflu, and then see you the following day for a visit.
SEASONAL FLU (THE TYPICAL FLU WE SEE EACH WINTER):
· Seasonal flu typically starts in late December and lasts until early March. The symptoms are the same as H1N1 flu.
· Those most at risk for complications of seasonal flu are the elderly, and people with diabetes, asthma, emphysema, or compromised immune system. It is recommended that anyone over age 50 or who is at risk should receive the seasonal flu vaccine.
· Supplies of the seasonal flu vaccine are limited as of now, but should become widely available over the next several weeks.
· Seasonal flu also responds to Tamiflu.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE H1N1 INFLUENZA AND SEASONAL INFLUENZA, PLEASE REFER TO THE FOLLOWING SITES:
http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2009/h1n1/
