INFLUENZA UPDATE FALL 2009
We know many of you are concerned about the influenza strain which has been causing illness lately. It is thought that novel influenza A (H1N1 or “swine flu”) spreads in the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread, mainly through the coughs and sneezes of people who are ill with the virus.
Most of the cases in the United States have been mild. The symptoms of the H1N1 strain of the flu are: fever of 100 degrees F or higher (although often the fever is over 102), cough and possibly sore throat. There also may be symptoms which we often see with viral illness: headache, muscle aches, fatigue, decreased appetite and occasionally vomiting and diarrhea. If your child is experiencing a fever and/or any of the other symptoms you should contact us. DO NOT TAKE YOUR CHILD TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM unless he or she is severely ill and/or you are directed to do so by us.
Once we see your child in the office, we may test in our office for influenza. This is a general test for influenza; it does not tell us the specific type. That kind of testing can only be done by the state and they have recommended that only those with flu-like illness who have been admitted to a hospital or people who are part of a group of illness called a cluster authorized by the NJ Department of Health and County Epidemiologist be tested. However, if our test is positive in the office, we MAY prescribe one of the anti-viral medications called Tamiflu or Relenza, although most children do not need this medication; the illness will resolve without treatment.
It is important to remember that the steps parents can take to help prevent the spread of illness are the same with or without a diagnosis of H1N1. They are:
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People who have flu-like symptoms (students, staff, parents, etc) should stay out of school or work for at least 24 hours after their symptoms have gone away and 24 hours after their fever has gone. |
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The ill person should limit their contact with others in the family. If taking care of a child, designate only one provider, to limit the contact with the sick child. |
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If schools are closed, children should not congregate in large groups (i.e.: movies, the mall, other students’ houses) to limit person to person contact and disease transmission. |
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In order to help prevent the spread of infection, please encourage your children to: cover coughs and sneezes (use tissues and dispose of them immediately – or cough into elbow if a tissue is not available), avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth, wash hands frequently – especially after coughing and sneezing. |
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Keep children home from school if they are sick, especially if they are experiencing a fever. |
The schools are working very closely with the local public health officials to monitor the cases and to ensure the health and safety of the children.
Many people are also wondering about the availability of a vaccine for the H1N1 strain. The target groups for vaccines will be children and young adults 6 months-24 years of age; pregnant women; household contacts/caretakers of children under 6 months of age since they are too young for vaccine; health care providers and people between 25-64 with underlying medical conditions. The vaccine is supposed to be available in mid to late October. It will be given either in doctors' offices or at public health sites. The state and local health departments will be responsible for determining this. There should be 2 formulations available, a shot and a mist. There will be 2 vaccine doses required for children under 10 years of age, given 3-4 weeks apart; those 10 and older will only require 1 dose.
We have received a partial (100 doses) shipment of H1N1 vaccine. We have only received the Flu-mist, not the injectable vaccine, although we expect to receive that at some point. If your child normally receives the regular (seasonal) Flu-mist vaccine they are eligible for this vaccine.
If your child normally receives the injectable form because he/she is under 2 or has an underlying medical condition such as asthma or diabetes or an illness or treatment which causes them to be immunosuppressed, or a household member is immunosuppressed, they cannot receive this formulation. If your child normally receives the injectable form but does not fall into one of the above categories, he/she may be able to receive the H1N1 mist; if you are unsure, please call and ask.
If your child received a seasonal Flumist vaccine within the past 28 days, they can not receive the H1N1 Flumist until that time interval is up.
Please note that this is a partial shipment and we will not be able to vaccinate all of our patients with this shipment. We will be sending out another email when we receive more of the Flu-mist and when we receive our shipment of injectable vaccine.
If you would like to schedule your child/children for the H1N1 Flumist vaccine, you may call our office to schedule it.
Please also note that these appointments are with the nurse for the vaccine only. If your child is ill and you want him/her seen by the doctor to see if he or she is well enough for the vaccine, you will need to make a separate appointment
Please note that information is changing all the time. We will post updates as we learn about them.
For more information on H1N1 (Swine) flu please visit the following websites: