H1N1 Flu Frequently Asked Questions
A. Use of the term pandemic reflects how widely a disease is occurring. The World Health Organization has designated H1N1 influenza a Phase 6 pandemic because it is occurring in multiple countries around the world and human infection is widespread. Currently H1N1 is most prevalent in the Southern Hemisphere, but as fall approaches, it's expected to become more common here in the Northern Hemisphere.
Pandemic does not reflect the severity of individual infections or symptoms.
A. Because vaccines are the most effective public health method for controling influenza, the U.S. government is working closely with manufacturers to develop an H1N1 vaccine. The CDC has isolated the new H1N1 virus and modified it for use to make hundreds of millions of doses of vaccine. Vaccine production is a multi-step process which takes several months to complete, and vaccines must then be tested in clinical trials before they can be administered on a large scale.
- Health care workers and EMS personnel who have direct contact with patients or infectious material
- Pregnant women
- Household contacts and other caregivers of infants age 6 months or younger
- Children age 6 months to 4 years, beginning with those who have underlying medical conditions that put them at risk for complications of influenza
- Children and adolescents 5 - 18 years with chronic medical conditions that put them at risk for complications of influenza
Once the vaccination needs for these prioritized groups have been met, programs and providers should begin vaccinating everyone ages 18 through 64 years. Current studies indicate the risk for infection among people 65 and older is less than the risk for younger age groups. The current recommendation is for vaccine to be offered to people over age 65 after supply and demand for vaccine have been met among younger age groups.
Q. Where will the vaccine be available?
A. Every state is developing a H1N1 vaccine delivery and distribution plan. When it becomes available, the vaccine will be offered in UW Health primary care clinics much the way seasonal flu vaccine is offered. It may also be available through vaccination clinics organized by local health departments, pharmacies or other organizations.
Q. Are there other ways besides vaccination to prevent the spread of illness?
A. You should still take everyday actions to stay healthy:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
- Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
- Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
These measures will continue to be important after H1N1 vaccine is available because they can prevent the spread of other viruses that cause respiratory infections.
Q. What about the use of antiviral medicines to treat H1N1 infection?
A. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaled powder) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. This fall, use of antiviral medicines may be reserved for people with severe illness or those at higher risk for flu complications.
Q. Will vaccination against H1N1 flu be mandatory?
A. The CDC and ACIP will recommend who should receive H1N1 vaccine, and state and local health departments and institutions will determine how to implement these recommendations. If the vaccine is recommended for use, those who choose vaccination for themselves or their children will be screened for any reasons they should not receive the vaccine (such as an allergy to eggs) and will receive information sheets describing the vaccine's risks and benefits, possible adverse effects associated with vaccination, and how to report these effects if they occur.
Q. Is there more I should know or do to prepare for H1N1 influenza this fall?
A. Preparing for a heavy flu season is similar to preparing for other emergencies. The federal and state governments have published much of this information on the internet. Visit the following sites to find these resources, including a family planning checklist that lays out the basic requirements of preparing for a pandemic: