Understanding Influenza in 2009

Albert Barber | posted September 01, 2009 |

Experts predict that two or more distinct influenza strains will circulate in the Northern Hemisphere this winter.  In addition to the seasonal influenza, they expect to see many persons infected with a new strain called H1N1 novel or swine influenza.  In fact, this strain is expected to be predominant this winter in the United States, as it was this past summer in the Southern Hemisphere.  However, because the seasonal vaccine will not protect against novel H1N1 influenza, an additional vaccine is being developed.

Always consult your doctor for specific advice or if you have any flu-like symptoms such as fever (usually high), headache, tiredness (can be extreme), cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, diarrhea and vomiting (more common among children than adults).

Prevention – Seasonal Influenza
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that most persons be vaccinated against the seasonal influenza as soon as vaccine becomes available in September.  Those at highest risk for seasonal influenza complications include:

• Pregnant women
• People between the ages of 6 months and 19 years of age
• People aged 50 years and older
• People of any age with chronic health disorders or a compromised immune system
• People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
• People who care for those at high risk including:
  • All workers in a health care setting
  • Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications
  • Household contacts and caregivers of children <5 years of age with particular emphasis on vaccinating contacts of children <6 months of age (these children are at higher risk of flu-related complications)<

Treatment – Seasonal Influenza

Typically, antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu capsules and Relenza Inhaler are used to treat influenza infection and to provide protection to persons who have been exposed to someone with active infection.  Seasonal influenza had high resistance to Tamiflu last winter and the same is expected this year.  This makes vaccination for seasonal influenza critical this year.

Prevention – Novel H1N1 Influenza
The CDC recommends that the following groups be vaccinated against the novel H1N1 influenza as soon as a vaccine becomes available:

• Pregnant women
• People between the ages of 6 months and 24 years of age
• People between the ages of 25 and 64 years of age who have chronic health disorders or a compromised immune system
• People who care for those at high risk including:
  • Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel because infections among healthcare workers can be a potential source of infection for vulnerable patients. Also, increased absenteeism in this population could reduce healthcare system capacity
  • Household contacts and caregivers of children less than 6 months of age

  Treatment – Novel H1N1 Influenza
  Tamiflu and Relenza should be effective and are recommended to treat active infection and to provide protection to persons who have been exposed to someone with H1N1 novel influenza this year. 
   

  For more information on influenza visit our Flu Center.