Your Questions Answered on H1N1
Q. What is H1N1?
A. H1N1 influenza is caused by a new strain of influenza virus. It has spread too many countries. Like other flu viruses, 2009 H1N1 spreads from person to person through coughing, sneezing and by touching objects contaminated with the virus, then touching our mouth or nose.
Q. What is behind the spread of the virus this time?
A. Influenza viruses are always changing. They frequently mutate (change), with portions of human, bird and pig viruses often intermingling and re-assorting themselves into new forms. This particular form is brand new, making it infectious to a lot of people because they have had no previous exposure to it.
Q. What are the symptoms of H1N1?
A. The symptoms are similar to the common flu. They include:
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Chills
• Coughing
• Sore Throat
• Muscle Aches
• Diarrhea (less common)
Most people feel better within a week. But some people get pneumonia or other serious illnesses.
Q. How does the virus spread?
A. The virus spreads the same way the seasonal flu does. When an infected person coughs or sneezes around another person, the latter is put at risk. People can become infected by touching something with the flu virus on it and then touching their mouth or nose. An infected person can pass the virus to another before any symptoms even develop.
Q. Is there an H1N1 vaccine?
A. Yes. Research began right away to develop an effective vaccine. The final outcome was simple: make a swine flu vaccine the same way seasonal vaccine is produced.
Q. Is the H1N1 Vaccine Safe?
A. Yes. It is safe and effective. The H1N1 vaccine is not a new vaccine that got rushed through approval; it is just a new strain of flu in the vaccine. If H1N1 had appeared earlier in 2009, it would have simply been part of the regular flu vaccine. H1N1 swine flu vaccine is not experimental.
In the 1970s, a new strain of flu emerged with a swine origin. A small number of people got a disease called Guillain-Barre Syndrome shortly after the vaccine. It has never been proven that the vaccine caused the disease. Some people fear the flu vaccine because of this. But we MUST take a rational look at our risks when deciding about getting immunized. The risk of known flu is substantial. The known risks of the vaccine are tiny – fever, sore arm, headache. There is no need to worry about mercury in flu vaccine – it’s no greater than the amount in a tuna sandwich!
Q: If I get the vaccine, does this guarantee I will not get H1N1?
A.No vaccine is 100% effective. The H1N1 vaccine though has been found to be very effective in preventing H1N1 disease, at a rate of about 80%.
Q. Who should get the H1N1 vaccine?
A. Groups recommended to receive 2009 H1N1 vaccine first are:
• Pregnant women
• People who live with or care for infants younger than 6 months of age
• Health care and emergency medical personnel
• Anyone from 6 months through 24 years of age
• Anyone from 25 through 64 years of age with certain chronic medical conditions or a weakened immune system.
Everyone will eventually be able to be vaccinated. The Federal government is providing this vaccine at no charge though an administration fee will be charged at physician offices.
Q. My doctor does not have the H1N1 vaccine right now. Where can I get it?
A. Production of seasonal vaccine was interrupted in order to manufacture the H1N1 vaccine, so be patient and watch for information on its availability. Most physicians have ordered vaccine and the Hunterdon County Department of Health will also hold clinics for certain populations so it can be distributed as quickly and conveniently as possible.
Q. What should I do if I am sick?
A. If you are sick, stay home! Do not return to daycare, school or work until you feel better and your fever has been gone for 24 hours without fever reducer. Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue and throw it away. Don’t share utensils or drinks with anyone. Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based cleanser. Avoid touching your face with your hands.