Flu Facts to Know

So the best advice is----get the seasonal flu vaccine as soon as it is available in your community, and if you fall into one of the CDC recommended groups (see below), get the 2009 H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available. The seasonal flu vaccine takes about ten days to two weeks to provide immunity, so if you are planning a trip, factor that time into your decision making. In addition, the effect of the seasonal flu vaccine lasts approximately three months so keep that in mind, too, when you are deciding when to get vaccinated.

When the H1N1 vaccine is available, immunization programs and providers should focus first on vaccinating as many people as possible in the following five groups:

Pregnant women
People who live with or provide care to children younger than 6 months old
Healthcare workers and emergency medical personnel
People between 6 months through 24 years old
People from 25 years old through 64 years old who are at higher risk because of chronic health disorders such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or a weakened immune system.

Once the demand for vaccine for these groups has been met, the next group to be vaccinated includes everyone from the ages of 25 through 64 years old. Unlike seasonal flu, people 65 or older appear to be less at risk of infection with the 2009 H1N1 virus than younger folks. That's because over their lifetime, they may have developed antibodies from being exposed to earlier versions of the H1N1 virus. However, again, once vaccine demand among younger age groups has been met, programs and healthcare providers should offer vaccinations to people 65 and older.

There are other simple, but very effective actions besides vaccinations that everyone should take to help prevent the spread of any flu.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze onto your sleeve or into the bend of your elbow.
Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Try to avoid close contact with folks who are already sick.

If you are sick with flu-like symptoms--fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue---it is recommended that you stay home except to go out to get medical care or for other necessities. Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making anyone else sick. In patients who have the H1N1 flu, there have also been reports of vomiting and diarrhea as well.

People who become severely ill or who have a medical condition (weakened immune system, asthma, diabetes, or heart and lung disease) that places them at higher risk for flu-related complications and who develop flu-like symptoms, should immediately call their healthcare provider.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has very helpful information on its website. We recommend that you visit often during the flu season for updates and credible recommendations.