What Is the H1N1 Virus?
H1N1 (which has also been referred to as swine flu) is a new influenza virus that was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. The H1N1 virus is contagious and is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, similarly to how regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.
How Does the H1N1 Virus Spread?
According to the CDC, "Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something - such as a surface or object - with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose."
On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the H1N1 virus was a pandemic -- affecting a widespread geographic area and a high proportion of the population. They also offered guidelines regarding what you should do to protect yourself from the H1N1 virus.
Who Is at Risk?
H1N1 virus can cause mild to severe illness. Most people have recovered without requiring medical treatment, but others have been hospitalized or died from the H1N1 virus.
With the regular seasonal flu, people 65 years and older, children under 5 years old, pregnant women, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions are considered at greater risk for complications. The CDC reports that the majority of people who have been hospitalized with the H1N1 virus also had one or more conditions associated with risk of complications -- including pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease, asthma, kidney disease, suppressed immune systems, and neurocognitive / neuromuscular disorders. Unlike seasonal flu, adults older than 64 years do not appear to be at increased risk of H1N1-related complications.
Preparing Yourself Through Vaccination
The CDC states on its website that there is concern that the H1N1 virus could contribute to a severe flu season this year. The CDC advises that, "Vaccines are the best tool we have to prevent influenza. CDC hopes that people will start to go out and get vaccinated against seasonal influenza as soon as vaccines become available at their doctor's offices and in their communities."
The seasonal flu vaccine will not likely provide protection against the H1N1 virus. 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. Initial reports suggest that in addition to the seasonal flu shot, people will need to get up to two more shots for the H1N1 virus. Here's who is on the CDC's priority list to receive the H1N1 vaccine:
- Pregnant women
- Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age
- Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
- All people from 6 months through 24 years of age
- Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza
Once the demand is met for those groups, the vaccine would be offered to people 25 through 64 years, and then to those who are 65 and older.
Note: Caution should be exercised in patients on immunosuppressive therapy receiving vaccines made from live, attenuated virus, like FluMist (influenza nasal vaccine). Ask your health care provider which vaccines are best for you.
Stay Up-to-Date to Avoid Confusion
To stay current with the latest news and information, you should regularly check the following websites:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - H1N1 Flu
- World Health Organization - Pandemic (H1N1) 2009
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - H1N1 Flu. Accessed August 8, 2009.
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/"
World Health Organization - Pandemic (H1N1) 2009
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html
