Monday, November 09, 2009
Answers to frequently asked questions about H1N1
The H1N1 virus continues to present challenges for the public health community. The Uncas Health District is focusing on three areas: community education, continuity of operations planning and support and public vaccination.
Understandably, the public finds the response to the H1N1 virus to be confusing and frustrating. With information changing daily, reports of high absentee rates in schools, and concern about the lack of vaccine – the public may not be sure what to ask. The following questions and answers may help to clear up some of the confusion.
• Why is there such a limited supply of vaccine and do you think everyone who wants vaccine will be able to get one?
In fact, more doses are being released each week and the first priority groups are beginning to be addressed quite well. Unfortunately, we are not all in a priority group. For those individuals, an additional wait will be necessary. However, the plan is for every individual to be offered a dose.
• What are the current risk groups that are being targeted?
The current risk groups being targeted include pregnant women, household contacts of children less than 6 months of age, children 6 months to 6 years, EMS and healthcare providers, and children less than 19 years old with chronic health issues. These groups are continuing to expand as the vaccine becomes more widely available.
• How do I find out about flu clinics and vaccine availability?
H1N1 clinics have been scheduled by appointment. Please contact your physician or the Uncas Health District office at 823-1189 x113 or email doh@uncashd.org.
• How prevalent is H1N1 now in our community?
Influenza data reviewed from the week ending Oct. 31 reveals a continuing increase in the level of influenza activity being observed in Connecticut as measured by laboratory confirmed test results. Over 100 influenza- associated hospitalizations have been reported to date, with many more people having the disease that aren’t hospitalized.
• Who is most vulnerable?
Data continues to support the hypothesis that young people and individuals with chronic health conditions are at greatest risk.
• How do experts see this playing out? Is there an end in sight?
While it is difficult to predict how H1N1 will pan out, it appears that the H1N1 virus is coming in waves. Keep in mind, seasonal flu typically arrives in November and peaks in January – February. Therefore, it is still going to be important to take precautions into the Spring.
• What about seasonal flu vaccine – will that become available again or is it too late?
It is not too late as the season has yet to truly begin. Unfortunately, the vaccine is an unknown commodity at this point, with public health officials crossing their fingers, right along with the public, hoping it becomes available in great numbers very soon.
• Besides vaccinations, what are other ways to protect against the flu?
Social distancing is an important part of protecting yourself and others. If you are sick, avoid public interaction as much as possible until 24 hours after signs and symtoms have ended without fever-reducing medications. In addition, you should continue to cover your cough, wash hands frequently, eat well, and get your rest. If you do need to fight something off, you want your body to be at its best.
Patrick R. McCormack is Director of Health for the Uncas Health District. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. E-mail McCormack and all of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org or comment on their blog below.
Understandably, the public finds the response to the H1N1 virus to be confusing and frustrating. With information changing daily, reports of high absentee rates in schools, and concern about the lack of vaccine – the public may not be sure what to ask. The following questions and answers may help to clear up some of the confusion.
• Why is there such a limited supply of vaccine and do you think everyone who wants vaccine will be able to get one?
In fact, more doses are being released each week and the first priority groups are beginning to be addressed quite well. Unfortunately, we are not all in a priority group. For those individuals, an additional wait will be necessary. However, the plan is for every individual to be offered a dose.
• What are the current risk groups that are being targeted?
The current risk groups being targeted include pregnant women, household contacts of children less than 6 months of age, children 6 months to 6 years, EMS and healthcare providers, and children less than 19 years old with chronic health issues. These groups are continuing to expand as the vaccine becomes more widely available.
• How do I find out about flu clinics and vaccine availability?
H1N1 clinics have been scheduled by appointment. Please contact your physician or the Uncas Health District office at 823-1189 x113 or email doh@uncashd.org.
• How prevalent is H1N1 now in our community?
Influenza data reviewed from the week ending Oct. 31 reveals a continuing increase in the level of influenza activity being observed in Connecticut as measured by laboratory confirmed test results. Over 100 influenza- associated hospitalizations have been reported to date, with many more people having the disease that aren’t hospitalized.
• Who is most vulnerable?
Data continues to support the hypothesis that young people and individuals with chronic health conditions are at greatest risk.
• How do experts see this playing out? Is there an end in sight?
While it is difficult to predict how H1N1 will pan out, it appears that the H1N1 virus is coming in waves. Keep in mind, seasonal flu typically arrives in November and peaks in January – February. Therefore, it is still going to be important to take precautions into the Spring.
• What about seasonal flu vaccine – will that become available again or is it too late?
It is not too late as the season has yet to truly begin. Unfortunately, the vaccine is an unknown commodity at this point, with public health officials crossing their fingers, right along with the public, hoping it becomes available in great numbers very soon.
• Besides vaccinations, what are other ways to protect against the flu?
Social distancing is an important part of protecting yourself and others. If you are sick, avoid public interaction as much as possible until 24 hours after signs and symtoms have ended without fever-reducing medications. In addition, you should continue to cover your cough, wash hands frequently, eat well, and get your rest. If you do need to fight something off, you want your body to be at its best.
Patrick R. McCormack is Director of Health for the Uncas Health District. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. E-mail McCormack and all of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org or comment on their blog below.
# posted by ----------------- @ 2:23 PM 
