Overall Flu Activity: Widespread in 46 States; Seasonal Flu vaccine shortages occurring with H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine distribution delays ongoing
Pediatrics Now 2009 Flu Information
The latest flu activity in your area can be found on the following links:
Google Flu Trends
CDC Flu Activity Map: Seasonal Flu
CDC Flu Activity Map: H1N1 (Swine) Flu
Keeping The Germs At Bay
According to the CDC Stop Spreading The Germs campaign, 5 simple measures can go a long way in minimizing the spread of winter illnesses from person to person:
Avoid close contact.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your mouth and nose. This will prevent you from getting other sick!
Clean your hands.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Kids, the Flu, and Flu Vaccine Update
1. H1N1 Vaccine…who needs it?
Kids under 10 need 2 shots, 3 weeks apart (first is to prime, second a booster)
Shot 1 only provides about 25-30% protection in this age group
Kids over 10 and adults: need 1 shot (protection = 76%)
The first available H1N1 vaccine will be the nasal spray for people 2 and older
The regular swine flu vaccine will be the shot, approved for 6months and older:
45 million doses expected mid-October with 195million doses ordered total which is enough for what we need in total
2. Side Effects:
Similar to what’s been reported with “seasonal” flu ‘flumist’ and traditional injections for side effects
3. When can people get it?
Expected to be out when “seasonal flu” vaccine is out…don’t hold on seasonal flu vaccine to get H1N1 vaccine!
NOTE: FLUMIST and H1N1 can not be given on the same day…flumist is a live version of the fluvirus.
4. Who won’t be getting the first batch of H1N1 Nasal Spray vaccine:
Pregnant women, kids under 2
5. Who will get the first batch of the H1N1 Nasal Spray vaccine:
Health care workers, high risk kids with medical issues, high risk adults with medical issues such as asthma, diabetes, lung disease, heart disease, neuromuscular conditions, neurological conditions
6. Priority groups for H1N1 shot:
Pregnant women, contacts of infants under 6months of age, health care workers, all folks 6months -24 years, adults 25-64 considered high risk medically
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Seasonal flu…who needs it?
Kids 6months to 18 years
Pregnant women
People 50 years of age and older
People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
People who live in nursing homes and other long term care facilities
People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu:
Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu (see list above)
Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)
Healthcare workers
Why the change in the flu shot recommendation for kids? The CDC reports that an estimated 20,000 children less than 5 years old hospitalized due to flu. Kids under 2 years of age are the group most likely to get hospitalized. Compared to other age groups, kids ages 2-5 have many more urgent care and emergency room visits for the flu.
How many flu shots does my child need?
The first time a child 6months or older receives the flu shot, 2 doses are needed 4-6 weeks apart. The first dose primes the immune system while the second provides immunity. It can take at least 2 weeks after that second shot for the immune system to be up to speed on battling the flu.
What about infants under 6 months of age?
They are too young for the flu shot and count on all of us to get immunized to keep them protected.
How long is the flu season?
November to April usually.
When is the best time to get the flu shot?
As early as possible each flu season.
More information on kids and the flu can be found here: The Influenza Vaccine in Kids
Influenza Fast Facts
What is it?
A virus so the infection is usually self-limited. It can take a good 2 weeks to resolved.
Since it is self-limited why do we have to worry?
Good question. Influenza is a really strong virus and gets many people sick each year.
5% to 20% of the population gets the flu each year and over 200,00 people end up in the hospital from complications. The flu also can be fatal and approximately 36,000 people die each year. Vaccination is our best defense at the moment as well as good hygiene, including staying home from work and school if sick. This is one virus that we have to fight as a community. If we get back to our routines too quickly with the flu, we put many others at risk.
What symptoms could you get?
Fever, body aches, cough, GI symptoms, chills, sore throat, feeling tired, runny nose. You may gets some or all of these.
How can you make yourself or your child feel better?
Lots of fluids and rest; keep the fever down with tylenol or motrin. Call your doctor if GI symptoms are present and you can’t stay hydrated.
How can you prevent the flu?
Good hand washing, staying home if you are sick, avoiding sick people.
For More Information:
3 Steps to Fight The Flu (CDC)
CDC Seasonal Flu Home Page
Flu Symptom Information (CDC)
Influenza H1N1 (CDC)
