H1N1 Flu Risks and Facts

High Risk Groups Should Consider H1N1 Vaccine

Oct 14, 2009 Rhonda Day

There is much debate and discussion regarding the H1N1 flu vaccination and as the vaccine makes its way to the United States, people are still confused and concerned.

H1N1, or "swine flu" as it is sometimes called, is a virus that causes serious illness in people. It spreads quickly and easily between people and the World Health Organization identified this virus as a potential pandemic with a high number of projected cases of H1N1 in 2009.

But what does this really mean? First, it's essential to understand the benefits and risks of the vaccine. It's also important to know more about the H1N1 virus and how it may affect high risk populations.

What is H1N1?

This virus is different than the typical flu we expect to see. According to FluView , between September 27 and October 3, 2009, influenza activity in the United States increased. Ninety-nine percent (99%) of the subtyped influenza A viruses reported to the Centers for Disease Control were 2009 influenza A (H1N1) viruses. That same report indicates that there were 19 influenza-associated pediatric deaths and at least 16 of those were associated with the H1N1 virus. This makes H1N1 a potentially deadly virus for high risk groups such as children or those with chronic illness. But it does not discriminate against healthy adults and they are also at some risk of acquiring the virus and experiencing serious symptoms.

How Does H1N1 Spread?

The virus is spread from person to person and is highly contagious. Just like any other flu virus, it spreads through coughing, sneezing, and touching the hands of people who are infected. Even touching an object that has a live flu virus still present will transfer the virus to another person, such as touching a door knob and then touching the nose or mouth. The virus can be spread as early as one day prior to a person becoming sick and as long as 5-7 days after they become ill. This infectious period may be longer with some people who have weak immune systems.

Who is at Risk?

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), people with chronic illnesses and young children are at high risk of complications from the virus. People over the age of 65 are also at risk of complications if they contract the H1N1 virus, although they are the least likely to be infected with the 2009 H1N1 flu.

What is the H1N1 Vaccine?

The vaccine is available to help protect against the flu virus. It is created like any other flu vaccine and is expected to be safe and effective. However, it does not prevent flu-like illnesses caused by other types of viruses. It's important to note that the H1N1 vaccine is separate and different from the seasonal flu vaccine. Both vaccines are required to be protected against H1N1 and other types of flu.

Just like any vaccine, there are some risks. According to the CDC, there can be allergic reactions just as with other vaccines. It may cause soreness, redness, tenderness, or swelling at the site of the injection. Some people experience headaches, muscle aches, and fever or nausea. These symptoms can also occur from the seasonal flu vaccine.

Severe allergic reactions are possible including life-threatening allergic reactions, but this is rare. These symptoms usually present within a few minutes to a few hours after the injection or intransal spray.

Inactive Vaccine Injections

The injection contains a preservative called thimerosal that ensures it is germ free. Some people may be allergic to thimerosal, so if this is the case, inform the health care provider. In the past, thimerosal was thought to be linked to autism, but many studies have concluded that there is absolutely no association between thimerosal and autism. The inactivated vaccine (the virus has been killed in the vaccine) is injected into the muscle. The injection of the inactivated vaccine is described in more detail at the CDC website.

Nasal Spray Vaccine

A nasal spray vaccine is also available for H1N1 that is an active virus or "live, attenuated intranasal vaccine" (LAIV). The vaccine is sprayed into the nose and the virus is attenuated (weakened) so it will not cause virus or illness. If there is a known allergy to eggs or to any other substance in the vaccine, it is important to avoid the vaccine and talk with a doctor about the situation. For more information on the intranasal vaccine, visit the CDC noted above.

Who Should Get the 2009 H1N1 Vaccine?

Bottom line is that high risk groups should consider getting the vaccine. They include:

Pregnant women
People living with or caring for infants younger than six months old
Health care workers and emergency medical personnel
Children ages six months through 24 years of age
People aged 25 - 64 years old with chronic medical conditions or weakened immune systems

H1N1 can be a potentially life-threatening illness for some people. Taking proper cautions to avoid contracting the flu virus is important for everyone. Wash hands frequently with soap and water, avoid contact with sick people if possible, cover eyes, nose or mouth when coughing and sneezing, and use common sense to avoid germs.

Precautions to Take

People who contract the virus should stay at home and away from others for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone, except to seek medical care. Drink plenty of fluids and take proper precautions to avoid spreading the germs.

The best actions to take are to understand the vaccine and the H1N1 flu, recognize the symptoms, avoid contact with others who have the flu, and take care of yourself if the flu is contracted. People who believe they have early signs of the flu should contact their personal physician for advice and recommendations. Everyone should do their part to help avoid further spread of the H1N1 virus.

If there are questions regarding the H1N1 vaccine or virus, it's important to contact your physician as soon as possible.

Resource: Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

The copyright of the article H1N1 Flu Risks and Facts in General Medicine is owned by Rhonda Day. Permission to republish H1N1 Flu Risks and Facts in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

H1N1 flu vaccine is prevention.

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