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Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Influenza
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What are the symptoms of H1N1? How is H1N1 different from the seasonal flu? How will I know if I have the seasonal flu or H1N1? What do I do if I have flu symptoms? How do I know if my symptoms are serious enough for urgent or emergent care? Will the seasonal flu vaccine help protect me from H1N1? Can the seasonal vaccine and the 2009 H1N1 vaccine be given at the same time? Who is eligible to receive the H1N1 vaccine? Are elderly people more immune to H1N1? Why are elderly people in good general health not listed as a priority group for the H1N1 vaccine? If I am in one of the high-risk groups, how can I get a vaccine? Should infants under 6 months old receive the H1N1 vaccine? Is the H1N1 vaccine safe? If I am not in one of the 5 high-risk groups, can I get an H1N1 vaccine? What can I do to avoid getting the flu? 2009 H1N1 (frequently called “swine flu”) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization signaled that a pandemic of 2009 H1N1 flu was underway. A pandemic is an outbreak of illness that expands to different parts of the world. What are the symptoms of H1N1? The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with any type of flu, including 2009 H1N1, may also have respiratory symptoms without a fever. Illness with 2009 H1N1 virus has ranged from mild to severe. While most people who have been sick have recovered without needing medical treatment, hospitalizations and deaths from infection with this virus have occurred in severe cases. How is H1N1 different from the seasonal flu? The symptoms of seasonal flu and H1N1 are very similar and may include sore throat, fever, headache, muscle aches and soreness, congestion and cough. Vomiting and diarrhea seem to be more closely linked with H1N1, but these symptoms can occur with both viruses. H1N1 may be easier to catch than the regular flu, and younger people may be more likely to come down with it than older people. Typically with seasonal flu, the opposite is true: older individuals are more at risk than their younger counterparts. How will I know if I have the seasonal flu or H1N1? If you have flu-like symptoms, including fever, you may have either H1N1 or the seasonal flu. In both cases, the treatment recommendations are generally the same. What do I do if I have flu symptoms? If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, it’s a good idea to call your physician for guidance, especially if you are in a high-risk group. If you are generally healthy, you may be advised to simply stay home and avoid contact with other people. So far this flu season, most people have had mild illness that lasts for several days and have not needed medical care. If you are in a high-risk group or have been hospitalized for severe flu symptoms, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication because you may be more vulnerable to flu complications. Antiviral medications are available for persons 1 year of age and older. Most people, however, do not need these antiviral drugs to fully recover from the flu. How do I know if my symptoms are serious enough for urgent or emergent care? If you or your child becomes ill and experience any of the following warning signs, contact your medical provider immediately or seek emergency care. Children
Adults
Will the seasonal flu vaccine help protect me from H1N1? No, the seasonal flu vaccine is not expected to be helpful in preventing people from getting H1N1. Can the seasonal vaccine and the 2009 H1N1 vaccine be given at the same time? Yes, seasonal and 2009 H1N1 flu shots can be given on the same day, but should be given at different sites (e.g. one shot in the left arm and the other shot in the right arm). The seasonal and H1N1 flu spray vaccines are made from a live, but weakened virus, however, so they should not be taken at the same time. The spray vaccines should be separated by four weeks. A vaccine shot and a vaccine spray can be taken at the same time. Who is eligible to receive the H1N1 vaccine? According to the CDC, the following groups of the population should receive the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine first. (updated 12/11/09):
It's known that H1N1 swine flu virus seems to be hitting young adults especially hard, but now tests are showing that people 60 and older seem to have stronger immunity to new H1N1 swine flu virus than their younger counterparts. Researchers suspect that older people have been exposed to past flu strains in which viruses were more similar to the present H1N1 flu strain than the newer seasonal flus that younger people have experienced. However, officials are expressing caution, as data is still being finalized, and "can't say" about the exact nature or degree of any extra protection enjoyed by the elderly, said Anne Schuchat of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Until then, the CDC is advising older people to exercise the same preventative measures as everyone else. Source: Health Examiner Why are elderly people in good general health not listed as a priority group for the H1N1 vaccine? Once the demand for vaccine for the 5 target groups has been met at the local level, programs and providers will likely begin vaccinating everyone from ages 25 through 64 years. As vaccine supply and demand for vaccine among younger age groups is being met, programs and providers should offer vaccination to people over the age of 65. If I am in one of the high-risk groups, how can I get a vaccine? Your primary care physician should be able to advise you about how and when to get the H1N1 vaccine. Supplies of the vaccine are not expected to be adequate in Massachusetts until mid-November. At this time, many medical providers will be devising plans to distribute the vaccine. In most cases, early priority will be given to the five target groups identified by the CDC. It is expected that municipalities and even some schools may be administering the H1N1 vaccine. Visit this link to learn more about Worcester-area H1N1 vaccination programs. Should infants under 6 months old receive the H1N1 vaccine? No. Mothers of infants under 6 months should get the vaccine; but the infant should not receive the vaccine. Current data indicates that the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine has a similar safety profile as seasonal flu vaccines, which have a very good safety track record. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are closely monitoring for any signs that the vaccine is causing unexpected adverse events and we will work with state and local health officials to investigate any unusual events. If I am not in one of the 5 high-risk groups, can I get an H1N1 vaccination? It is expected that by mid-to-late fall, there will be enough 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine for anyone who chooses to get vaccinated. Early supplies of the vaccine, however, will likely be distributed to those in the 5 highest risk groups. Your physician can tell you of his or her vaccination plans. You may also check this website for Worcester-area vaccination plans. What can I do to avoid getting the flu? The best way to avoid getting any form of the flu virus is to wash your hands frequently – preferably with soap and water – throughout the day and before meals. Hand sanitizers also can be used. When coughing or sneezing, be sure to cover your mouth with your elbow, rather than with your hand. Also, it’s wise to avoid touching your mouth or nose area with unwashed hands. Click here for more information on preventing the flu. |
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Answers compiled from various public sources by Dr. Robert Bessette, Chief 
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