What is the latest information on the Vaccinations this upcoming Flu Season?
The regular Flu Shot is available now, and we will have Flu Clinic during the months of September and October.
Please contact my office staff at: Flu Vaccine Scheduler to make an appointment.
The Swine Flu shot is not currently available.
There are 40 million doses of Swine Flu vaccine stored in the US, for 300 million people. There will be more made available on a weekly basis during the flu season.
The Swine Flu vaccine is currently under study in Australia, and is now being given in Australia. Once initial safety data is available from the Australian experience, then the shots will be released to the U.S. population. We will receive a shipment in Mid-October and we will keep you updated on our plans for immunization.
Priority for immunization will be for those at highest risk:
Pregnant women
Families with children under 6 months old
Health Care Workers with direct patient contact
Children 6 months - 5 years old.
Patients 5 to 24-years old with significant health conditions
After that, patients over 24-65 with significant health conditions.
Then 65 years and older with significant health conditions
And finally, the last group: over 65 and healthy.
The reason for this arrangement is that the 65 and older group as at a lower risk for complications given past exposure to some H1N1 variant influenza in the past.
Do I have 'Swine Flu?'
Influenza is a specific syndrome and infection that overlaps with the symptoms of plain, ordinary viral respiratory infections. It can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference. Symptoms that suggest the Swine Flu are the following combination:
Fever over 101 degrees by accurate thermometer
Cough
Additional symptoms include the following, and to suggest the flu they must be associated with a fever (as indicated above.) They often are associated with cough as well.
They include:
Sore throat
Sore/aching muscles
Vomiting
Diarrhea
If you have the above symptoms and are concerned that you have Swine Flu, please call the office or e-mail the office.
Do not go out of the house if you have fever over 101 degrees and a cough, unless you are going to the doctors' office.
Do I need treatment if I have Swine Flu?
The CDC does not recommend everyone receive treatment for the Swine Flu, but at present, I would recommend treating with the two anti-viral medications:
Tamiflu Or Relenza
Both medications are equally effective. So long as the medications are available, we will provide prescriptions for patients with Swine Flu.
What do we do if someone at home has Swine Flu?
The chances of getting Swine Flu from a sick person that you are caring for is 5-20%.
It is not 100%...so do not panic.
We do not recommend preventive treatment for family members at this time, rather, if a family member develops Swine Flu symptoms, then immediate treatment with the anti-viral medications will be provided.
My child is going to school. What do I do if I think they may have the Swine Flu?
To prevent the spread of infection, please:
Wash your hands regularly or use hand sanitizer
Stay home if you have a fever over 101 degrees and a cough.
Avoid shaking hands
Contact your pediatrician for their recommendations
My son/daughter is going off to college and will be a dorm/apartment environment. What do you suggest to avoid getting Swine Flu, and what do they do if they get Swine Flu?
Most colleges have plans for young people at school. This will be a big deal during the upcoming season.
We recommend they:
Wash hands frequently
Avoid close contact with friends who are coughing or have fever (within
6 feet)
Have an accurate thermometer available to assess their temperature if
they think they have a fever. Accurate temperature will help determine
if there is a true concern for Swine Flu infection (see above.)
Get the Swine Flu vaccination if/when available
Get treatment if they develop symptoms of Swine Flu
I am planning to travel by air and don't feel well. What should I do?
If you are not feeling well, this Flu Season we recommend you delay
travel until you are feeling better.
Definitely, do not travel if you have fever over 101 degrees and a
cough.
Delay travel until fever has resolved for 24 hours.
What health conditions put a person at risk for Swine Flu?
Under 5 years old
Over 65 years old
Pregnant
Any age with underlying diseases such as:
Diabetes, Emphysema/Asthma, Congestive Heart Failure, Severe kidney
disease, Severe liver disease
On immune suppressing medications such as prednisone, methotrexate,
or chemotherapy agents.
You are not at increased risk if you have heart disease such as:
Coronary Artery Disease
Previous heart attack
High blood pressure
High Cholesterol
When is appropriate to consider wearing a Mask to prevent Swine Flu?
Masks are marginally effective, but can be considered in certain situations:
If there is a high degree of Swine Flu in the community and you are at
increased risk for Swine Flu due to underlying illness, then wearing a
mask in crowded public spaces is appropriate.
If you are the direct caregiver for a person with Swine Flu or strongly
suspected of having Swine Flu, and you have any underlying illness,
then it is appropriate to wear a facemask.
This is a picture of the enemy, Swine Flu. It is coming this fall and winter, and is almost certain to be a big issue. Now is the calm before the storm, so let's prepare.