H1N1 INFLUENZA VIRUS
H1N1 is a type of influenza that can cause respiratory illness. It can spread from person-to-person the same way as seasonal flu; through the passing of germs from coughing or sneezing of people who have been infected
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches their mouth, eyes, or nose before washing their hands
To avoid getting and passing on germs, the most important thing you can do is to WASH YOUR HANDS, frequently. If you do not have access to soap and warm water you can use a hand sanitizer. Look for one that has an alcohol content of at least 60%
Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick
H1N1 is not spread by food. Eating properly prepared pork or pork products is safe Like seasonal flu, H1N1 (Swine Flu) symptoms can vary from mild to severe
There are medications available for the treatment of infection from H1N1. These antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster
Symptoms (usually referred to as "flu-like symptoms) include:
|
· Fever (usually high)
|
· Extreme Tiredness
|
|
· Headache
|
· Dry Cough
|
|
· Sore Throat
|
· Runny or Stuffy Nose
|
|
· Muscle Aches
|
· Nausea, Vomiting, and/or diarrhea
|
If you do experience symptoms that you believe are flu-related, contact your health care provider for further instructions
If you do become ill, stay home for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100° F or greater), or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
2009 H1N1 INFLUENZA VACCINATION
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUR CAMPUS LOCATION NEAR YOU
Vaccines are available to protect against 2009 H1N1 influenza
- These vaccines are made just like seasonal flu vaccines
- They are expected to be as safe and effective as seasonal flu vaccines
- They will not prevent “influenza-like” illnesses caused by other viruses
- They will not prevent seasonal flu. You should also get seasonal influenza vaccine, if you want to be protected against seasonal flu
- Inactivated vaccine (vaccine that has killed virus in it) is injected into the muscle, like the annual flu shot
- Some inactivated 2009 H1N1 vaccine contains a preservative called thimerosal to keep it free from germs. Some people have suggested that thimerosal might be related to autism. In 2004 a group of experts at the Institute of Medicine reviewed many studies looking into this theory, and found no association between thimerosal and autism. Additional studies since then reached the same conclusion
Who should get 2009 H1N1 Influenza vaccine and when?
WHO Groups recommended to receive 2009 H1N1 vaccine first are:
- 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
WHEN: Get vaccinated as soon as the vaccine is available. Children through 9 years of age should get two doses of vaccine, about a month apart. Older children and adults need only one dose
Some people should not get the vaccine or should wait:
You should not get 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine if you have a severe (life-threatening) allergy to eggs or to any other substance in the vaccine. Tell the person giving you the vaccine if you have any severe allergies. Also tell them if you have ever had:
- A life-threatening allergic reaction after a dose of seasonal fl u vaccine
- Guillain Barré Syndrome (a severe paralytic illness also called GBS
These may not be reasons to avoid the vaccine, but the medical staff can help you decide. If you are moderately or severely ill, you might be advised to wait until you recover before getting the vaccine. If you have a mild cold or other illness, there is usually no need to wait. Pregnant or breastfeeding women can get inactivated 2009 H1N1 fl u vaccine. Inactivated 2009 H1N1 vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines, including seasonal influenza vaccine.
What are the risks from 2009 H1N1 Influenza vaccine?
A vaccine, like any medicine, could cause a serious problem, such as a severe allergic reaction. But the risk of any vaccine causing serious harm, or death, is extremely small. The virus in inactivated 2009 H1N1 vaccine has been killed, so you cannot get influenza from the vaccine. The risks from inactivated 2009 H1N1 vaccine are similar to those from seasonal inactivated flu vaccine:
Mild problems: • soreness, redness, tenderness, or swelling where the shot was given • fainting (mainly adolescents) • headache, muscle aches • fever • nausea If these problems occur, they usually begin soon after the shot and last 1-2 days
Severe problems: • Life-threatening allergic reactions to vaccines are very rare. If they do occur, it is usually within a few minutes to a few hours after the shot.
What if there is a severe reaction? What should I look for?
Any unusual condition, such as a high fever or behavior changes. Signs of a severe allergic reaction can include difficulty breathing, hoarseness or wheezing, hives, paleness, weakness, a fast heart beat or dizziness.
What should I do?
- Call a doctor, or get the person to a doctor right away
- Tell the doctor what happened, the date and time it happened, and when the vaccination was given
- Ask your provider to report the reaction by filing a Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) form. Or you can file this report through the VAERS website at http://www.vaers.hhs.gov or by calling 1-800-822-7967. VAERS does not provide medical advice
-
Vaccine Injury Compensation:
If you or your child has a reaction to the vaccine, your ability to sue is limited by law. However, a federal program has been created to help pay for the medical care and other specific expenses of certain persons who have a serious reaction to this vaccine. For more information about this program, call 1-888-275-4772 or visit the program’s website at: http://www.hrsa.gov/countermeasurescomp/default.htm
How can I learn more?
- Ask your provider. They can give you the vaccine package insert or suggest other sources of information
- Call your local or state health department
- Contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): -Call 1-800-232-4636 (1-800-CDC-INFO) or