As the H1N1 virus continues to cause illness, hospitalizations, and death, people are worrying about what lies ahead. Arthritis patients who take immunosuppressant drugs have an extra level of concern.
The CDC has reported that the H1N1 virus could contribute to a severe flu season this year. The seasonal flu vaccine will not likely provide protection against the H1N1 virus though. An H1N1 vaccine is currently being produced and tested. Prioritizing which groups of people should receive the H1N1 vaccine is being determined -- as well as on what schedule. Keeping up with the latest information will help you know what you should do to prevent the H1N1 virus. You can learn more in H1N1 Virus - What Arthritis Patients Need to Know.
Related Resources:
- Flu Vaccine Protects Against Contagious Virus
- Avoiding Colds, Flu, Infection When You Take Immunosuppressive Drugs
- Should People With Rheumatic Diseases Get a Flu Shot?
- Is Infection a Serious Side Effect of DMARDs and Biologic Drugs?
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Is the H1N1 vaccine a live vaccine? I am on Enbrel and need to know!
The initial doses of the H1N1 vaccine will be administered as a nasal spray. The spray will contain a live, but weakened form of the virus. The vaccine administered as a shot, which will be available later in the Fall, will not contain live virus. The shot contains an inactivated, or dead, virus.
Thanks. That is what recently has been publicized. Is it risky to take the injection?
I am seeking to find if the H1N1 vaccine is available in a version without squalene for someone that already has an auto immune disorder. It would not matter if price was higher.thank you.