The Swine Flu epidemic is in full swing and flu clinics are struggling to get and distribute vaccines as quickly as possible. The prevention efforts are woefully inadequate and over 300 children have died already. The h1n1 vaccines are new and production is slower than anticipated and needed. States such as Pa and NY are limiting distribution to high risk groups first, further complicating the issue.
H1N1 is a very contagious virus that has increased mortality in children and young adults. Older adults seem to have some resistance, probably due to a previous outbreak of a similar virus. It is easy to spread via airborne routes such as coughing or sneezing or by direct contact with surfaces that have been contaminated. The virus can survive on surfaces for up to 24 hours. H1N1 is symptomatically similar to the season flu virus so laboratory identification is mandatory for identification. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, severe dry cough, muscle aches and sore throat. Nausea and vomiting are more common in children.
This season there have already been more than 200 *Laboratory-Confirmed 2009 H1N1 Influenza Pediatric Deaths as reported by the CDC. That’s over 200 children, in case you missed it. The CDC is reporting elevated hospitalizations and deaths for the remainder of the flu season. H1N1 is one of the most closely tracked epidemics ever and the data clearly shows the elevated risk. Public efforts at vaccination have been limited by the financial crisis that is reducing government tax income.
*The official advice is to use standard prevention techniques such as washing hands and covering sneezes. Imperfect as these are, vigilant implementation goes a long way to curbing outbreaks. However, one careless infected person can spread the virus to an entire group. The only defense in this scenario is isolation gear such as gloves, masks, etc or getting a flu shot.
*There are two types of immunizations being manufactured at present. One is an inactivated virus given as a shot in the arm, and the other is a weakened live virus that is given as a nasal spray. There is some evidence that children respond better to the live virus and adults to the inactive virus. The vaccines are being produced in the same manner as the seasonal flu virus. The shortage in vaccine is due to the slower growth of the virus in chicken eggs vs the yearly virus production. The vaccine is being produced and more clinics should be getting supplies every day. Check often as supplies will be exhausted quickly.
*Private clinics have increased their immunization efforts to help get the job done. Some Private clinics can schedule an on site flu clinic for large or small groups. These can be held at a corporate workplace, a church or a school. This is a very proactive way to avoid an outbreak in such a group. Be sure and get vouchers for people who cannot make the scheduled time.
Flu Shots Pittsburgh is a national network of independently owned and operated Travel Health and Immunization Clinics, providing onsite flu vaccines Pittsburgh and travel health.
Jennifer R. Russell