| Special Update: Flu FAQs  Did you know that it is National Influenza Vaccination week? With news of the flu filling our television and computer screens as well as our newspapers, you may have some concerns or questions about what this year's flu season might mean for you and your family. Here's some information about the flu. For the most current information, please visit www.flu.gov.
What is the flu? The flu refers to illnesses caused by a number of different influenza viruses, and can cause a range of symptoms and effects, from mild to lethal. Two strains of flu, seasonal flu and the H1N1 (Swine) flu, are currently circulating in the United States. Most healthy people recover from the flu without problems, but certain people are at high risk for serious complications. Do I need a flu shot? The seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 flu vaccine are separate vaccinations. A seasonal vaccine is distributed routinely every year, the H1N1 flu vaccine has been developed and produced for the 2009 flu season. The seasonal vaccine is not expected to protect against the H1N1 flu and the H1N1 flu vaccine is not intended to replace the seasonal flu vaccine. Each protects against a different virus and is intended to be used along-side the other. Individuals are encouraged to get both vaccinations as soon as possible. Currently, the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, a panel made up of medical and public health experts, recommends specific groups receive the H1N1 flu vaccine as soon as possible. This list currently includes pregnant women; household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age; healthcare and emergency medical services personnel; all people from 6 months through 24 years of age; and persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza. View a list of H1N1 flu vaccine priority groups. Where can I get a flu shot? The seasonal flu vaccine is widely available. States are posting new information every day about H1N1 vaccine availability, distribution to priority groups, and where to get vaccinated. For an interactive map with state by state resources, visit Flu.gov - Where You Live. The H1N1 vaccine is available as a nasal spray and as an injection. The type you receive may depend on your age, medical conditions, and whether you are pregnant. Learn more about the H1N1 flu vaccine. What if I have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)? COPD is a serious lung disease, which makes it hard to breathe. Also known by other names, such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, COPD is the 4th leading cause of death in the United States and also causes long-term disability. Everyone with COPD or any other chronic pulmonary condition should receive the vaccine against 2009 H1N1 flu because they could become seriously ill from the flu. - People with COPD should get both the seasonal flu shot and the 2009 H1N1 flu shot. The shot against 2009 H1N1 flu is a "killed" vaccine, so you cannot catch the flu from getting this shot.
- Persons with COPD should not get the nasal spray vaccine which is a live vaccine.
- Everyone with COPD should also receive the pneumococcal polysaccharide (pneumonia) vaccination according to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
- The 2009 H1N1 flu shot can be administered at the same visit as other vaccines, including the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine.
- Talk with your doctor now about how to reach him or her quickly by telephone if you think you have the flu. You should also be especially alert to changes in your breathing.
- If you do become sick with the flu, continue taking your normal medications, unless your health care provider makes other or additional recommendations.
- Be sure to keep the contact information for your health care provider with you at all times. As always, maintain a list of all medications you take as well as the dosages and frequency.
- Learn more about COPD and the flu.
- Learn more about COPD.
- Visit the COPD Learn More Breathe Better Campaign for more information and resources about COPD.
What if I have asthma? - Everyone with asthma should get vaccinated for the seasonal flu.
- Everyone with asthma who is aged 6 months through 64 years should get the 2009 H1N1 flu shot as soon as it is available where they live.
- Children with asthma aged 6 months to 8 years who never have had a seasonal flu shot will need two doses the first time.
- Persons with asthma should not use the inhaled "FluMist®" vaccine.
- If you have asthma and you develop flu-like symptoms, contact your health care provider or seek medical care and follow these steps for all people with health conditions.
- Learn more about asthma and the flu.
- Learn more about asthma.
What if I have heart disease? Patients with chronic heart disease and those who have had a stroke are at increased risk of experiencing severe flu. People with heart disease who get the flu should follow these additional guidelines: - Maintain a 2-week supply of your medications.
- Do not stop taking your medications without first consulting your health care provider, especially if you have the flu or a respiratory infection.
- People with heart failure should be alert to changes in their breathing and should promptly report changes to their health care provider.
- If you have heart disease and you develop flu-like symptoms, call your doctor and follow these steps for all people with health conditions.
- Learn more about heart disease and the flu.
- Learn more about coronary heart disease.
What are the symptoms of the flu? The symptoms for all flu, including H1N1 (Swine) flu, are similar. They include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, and chills. Additional symptoms that have been reported in H1N1 cases are vomiting and diarrhea. How can I prevent getting the flu? Take these everyday steps to protect your health: - Get both the seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccinations.
- 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 hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- Stay home if you are sick until at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100°F or 37.8°C) or signs of a fever (without the use of a fever-reducing medicine). Learn more about how long to stay away from others.
- Learn more about flu prevention and treatment.
For the latest information on the flu, including information for individuals, families, and professionals, as well as resources and news updates, visit www.flu.gov. |
