H1N1 Flu
October 26 2009
The flu appears to be gaining speed as we gear up for winter. So, who is winning the race, the flu or the vaccines? It is tough to say as manufacturers struggle to ramp up their supplies of vaccines (both seasonal and H1N1). Susan Locke, M.D., Medical Director of Healthnetwork Foundation continues to monitor the flu season and here are her answers to some frequently asked questions.
Who is eligible to get the H1N1 vaccine?
What are the vaccine recommendations for pregnant women?
I heard the vaccine comes in a nasal spray form. Can I get that rather than the shot?
Can I get the seasonal flu vaccine and H1N1 vaccine at the same time?
I can't seem to find the vaccines for my family; can you get me a shot?
My physician is not sure he/she will have the H1N1 vaccine. Why can't he/she get is for me?
I am in the high-risk category and still I am being told to wait. Why?
What should I do before traveling internationally?
What should I do if I have flu-like symptoms?
I had flu-like symptoms. How do I know whether I need the seasonal or the H1N1 vaccine?
Where can I find information about the H1N1 virus?
Who is eligible to get the H1N1 Vaccine?
The H1N1 vaccine is slated to be available in the next few weeks. The information we are currently receiving indicates that certain groups of people will be prioritized to receive this vaccine first. These groups are:
- pregnant women
- household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months
- healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
- all persons 6 months – 24 years of age
- persons 25-64 years old with chronic health conditions
We do not know yet whether there will be a surplus of vaccinations for those who do not fit into any of the above criteria. As we receive updates from our hospitals or the CDC, we will continue to update this web page.
What are the vaccine recommendations for pregnant women?
Reduced white blood cell counts, weakened immune system and reduced lung capacity predispose pregnant women to serious respiratory problems, such as flu and pneumonia. The CDC is currently recommending that all expectant mothers receive both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 vaccines as a preventive measure. However, the decision to receive preventive vaccinations should be made between a pregnant woman and her doctor. Click here for more information on pregnancy and the flu.
I heard the vaccine comes in a nasal spray form. Can I get that rather than the shot?
FluMist, the nasal spray vaccine, is considered equally effective but it is made of live (weakened) flu virus. This version of the vaccine can be used only for healthy people between ages 2-49. It cannot be used for pregnant women or for anyone with underlying health conditions. The flu vaccine injection is a "killed" virus and can be used for all recommended groups.
Can I get the seasonal flu vaccine and H1N1 vaccine at the same time?
There is some conflicting information about whether these two vaccines can be given at the same time. However, since the seasonal flu vaccine is available currently and the flu season is upon us, it is recommended that you get the seasonal flu vaccine now and not wait until the H1N1 vaccines arrive.
I can’t seem to find the vaccines for my family; can you get me a shot?
This year’s flu season started earlier than expected and this is placing a great demand on supplies. It is important to note that seasonal flu shots are available in some markets and the H1N1 vaccines are starting to arrive. Requesting vaccines from your primary physician and/or monitoring local providers remain your best option.
Healthnetwork cannot provide you with a vaccine. We will assist with suggestions on resources to help you secure the vaccines. With the supply of vaccines so unpredictable, we are monitoring the process as best we can. One resource to locate vaccines is the Flu Shot Locator web site created by The American Lung Association. Click Here
My physician is not sure he/she will have the H1N1 vaccine. Why can’t he/she get it for me?
Seasonal vaccines are requested primarily through private channels – your physicians, hospitals, clinics or even drug stores request dosages right from the manufacturers. The H1N1 vaccine distribution is controlled by the government - state and local health departments are still verifying vaccination sites while they send out dosages. So your physician may very well be in the dark right now about the H1N1 vaccine.
I am in the high-risk category and still I am being told to wait. Why?
Our suggestion is to continue to work with your physicians. Pregnant women should call their obstetrician; call your pediatrician for your children or if you have chronic medical issues, please consult your treating physicians. To help with the high demand of the H1N1 vaccines, some states like Ohio are setting up on-line registration portals to help high-risk people secure vaccines. Check out www.flu.gov to find out more about your state’s information.
It has been reported that people who are not considered high risk could wait until December or even January for their vaccines.
What should I do before traveling internationally?
If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, do not travel.
The World Health Organization is not recommending travel restrictions right now due to H1N1 virus, although according to the U.S. State Department “… some nations may initiate or strengthen pre-existing screening and quarantine procedures for travelers. If you intend to travel abroad in the near future you should be aware that foreign authorities may check you for symptoms of 2009-H1N1 influenza and you may experience significant travel delays as a result.” The State Department further suggests that “country specific information can be obtained from the U.S. Department of State website, and from individual Embassy and Consulate web pages. You may also call the Office of Overseas Citizens Services at
1-888-407-4747 in the United States for the latest travel information.”
What should I do if I have flu-like symptoms?
So far, most cases of the disease remain mild, causing only typical symptoms of flu, including fever, cough, headache, body aches and exhaustion. People with H1N1 flu might be slightly more likely to experience the gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting, etc.) than people with the usual forms of the flu. If you have these symptoms, stay home from work or social obligations and call your primary care physician if symptoms worsen.
If antiviral medications (Tamiflu or Relenza) are taken within the first 48 hours of symptoms, most people find they have a less severe case of the flu with a shorter duration. This is true for both H1N1 and seasonal flu. Most physicians will not require that you have a test to determine what type of flu you have since treatment is similar for both.
If you have had symptoms for more than 48 hours, antiviral medications will not affect the course of the illness. Keep in mind that in the majority of cases, the H1N1 flu - although unpleasant - is a non- life-threatening illness. Significant symptoms usually last less than a week. If you are in the high risk groups for severe H1N1 then you should consult your physician as soon as you show symptoms of the flu so you can start antiviral treatment. Many cases will resolve themselves within a few days. ERs are being flooded with patients; you should only seek treatment if you develop severe symptoms (shortness of breath, lethargy).
To reduce the risk of infecting others, stay home from work and avoid travel if you have flu-like symptoms. Household members should have limited contact with you and everyone should practice good hygiene with frequent hand washings with soap and water.
I had flu-like symptoms, how do I know whether I need the seasonal or the H1N1 vaccine.
If you haven't been confirmed to have 2009 H1N1 you should get the vaccine according to the CDC suggestions. Other, unrelated viruses can cause "flu-like" illnesses so vaccination is still recommended for those who think they have had the flu.
If you have been confirmed to have 2009 H1N1, then you have immunity and won't get infected again this year with that virus. However, most people who get the flu won't be tested for H1N1 (there simply is not capacity in the labs for the tests) so most people won't know for sure if they have been infected.
Healthnetwork Foundation will continue to monitor information about this year’s flu season as it progresses. Check back here for new updates from our hospitals or the CDC as we will make every effort to update our members of the most relevant information.
Want to learn more about how one of our GOLD Hospitals is preparing for the flu? Click here to read how Mark Laret, CEO of UCSF Medical Center and his team are preparing for the flu season.
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If you have questions, please call Healthnetwork |
Where can I find information about the H1N1 virus?
I highly recommend looking at the CDC website (www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/) to find the latest and most accurate information about H1N1. This website is frequently updated and has a full range of information on the virus.
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