Prevention
CDC recommends a three¬-step approach to fighting the flu: vaccination, everyday preventive actions including frequent hand washing and staying home when sick, and the correct use of antiviral drugs if your doctor recommends them.

Vaccines are the most effective measure for preventing influenza. 
This year two different flu vaccines are needed, one effective against seasonal flu strains and one effective against the 2009 H1N1 Influenza virus. 

• While the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus has been the focus of attention since the spring, it is important that we do not forget the risks posed by seasonal influenza viruses. 
• The 2009 H1N1 Influenza vaccine has been licensed.
• One dose of vaccine is approved for persons ten and older. Two doses are needed for children 9 years old and younger. 
• Initial vaccine shipments are expected to begin in late October.
• The health department is working with community partners to find ways to make the vaccine available as quickly as possible once it is released. 
• The health department is also encouraging private providers to offer the new vaccine.
• Basic measures can help reduce the spread of germs.
• Flu viruses spread from person to person through coughing or sneezing. 
• When you are sick with the flu, stay at home or away from others until at least 24 hours after you are free of fever (100° F), or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications. 
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw your used tissues in the trash can.
• Clean your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleanser often, especially when sick.
  

Thomas Jefferson Health District
H1N1 Update – 9/2/09

Epidemiology
Novel Influenza A (H1N1) continues to circulate in our community. 

• Several cases of flu-like illness have been identified among school children in our health district.
• There are a variety of causes of flu-like illness, including influenza viruses.  
• We have done some testing to confirm whether or not influenza viruses are causing this illness, and tests have shown H1N1 as the cause in some cases and not in others. 
• This shows us that not everyone with flu-like illness has H1N1 influenza, but it is one possible cause.
• The CDC estimates that there have been more than one million cases of H1N1 flu in the United States thus far.
• The largest number of cases has occurred among persons 5 to 24 years old. 
• Total influenza hospitalization rates for adults and children are similar to or lower than seasonal influenza hospitalization rates. 
• In contrast to seasonal flu, adults older than 64 years have been less affected thus far.
• The epidemiology of the disease caused by the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus in the Southern Hemisphere, where it is currently flu season, is very similar to that described in the United States this past spring.  
• There have been no significant changes detected in the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus isolated from persons in the Southern Hemisphere as compared to viruses isolated from persons in the Northern Hemisphere.

Influenza Illness
Symptoms of H1N1 are similar to symptoms of seasonal flu and include: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills, and fatigue.  Some people report vomiting and/or diarrhea. 

• Most people who get influenza recover without any treatment or special care.
• However, influenza can cause serious illness in some people.  Persons at higher risk of complications from influenza include children younger than five years old, pregnant women, people with certain health conditions, and persons older than 65 years. 
• Children and adults who develop a fever of at least 100°F and a cough or sore throat should call their doctor, especially if they are at higher risk of complications from influenza.
• Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. The CDC currently recommends that clinicians prioritize use of antivirals for persons at higher risk of complications from influenza.

Prevention
Vaccines are the most effective measure for preventing influenza. 

• This year two different flu vaccines are recommended, one effective against seasonal flu strains and one effective against the novel H1N1 virus.  
• While the novel H1N1 influenza virus has been the focus of attention since the spring, it is important that we do not forget the risks posed by seasonal influenza viruses.
• Everyone is encouraged to get their seasonal flu vaccine as soon as it is available. 
• The 2009 novel H1N1 vaccine has not yet been licensed; however, initial doses of licensed vaccine are expected to be available by mid¬-October.
• The health department is working with community partners to find ways to make the vaccine available as quickly as possible once it is released. 
• The health department is also encouraging private providers to offer the new vaccine.
• The national H1N1 vaccine program will be voluntary. 
  • Those interested in vaccination for themselves or their children will receive accurate information about 2009 H1N1 influenza and the vaccine’s benefits and risks so they can make an informed decision.
• For most people, two doses of the 2009 H1N1 vaccine may be necessary for full protection against the 2009 H1N1 virus.
• The recommended interval between doses will not be known until further clinical trial data are available; however, we anticipate that 21 to 28 days will be needed between the first and second doses. 
• CDC and its partners will use several systems to monitor the safety of 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine.At this point, CDC is not recommending school closures as a primary strategy to prevent the spread of H1N1 influenza. Given the current epidemiology, in most cases the negative consequences associated with closing schools outweigh potential benefits.