H1N1 aka "swine flu"

I have been asked by a lot of patients and family recently about the flu vaccine.  I thought I would write a small bit about it in an effort to do my public health education duties.

1) Everyone should get a flu shot (the "regular" flu).  

2) Everyone should get the H1N1 vaccine when it is released in October.  

People most at risk for contracting the swine flu are individuals under the age of 30.  The group most at risk for becoming seriously ill and dying from complications from the flu are pregnant women!

Myths about the flu shot:

1) The flu shot can give you the flu 

FALSE: The flu vaccine is not a live vaccine, meaning that the virus is dead/denatured.   You can, however, get flu-like side effects from the vaccine.  These include fever, chills, muscle aches, sore throat.  These symptoms can be managed with tylenol and other over the counter remedies.

2) The flu shot is not safe

FALSE: The flu vaccine is safe in the sense that it does not infect you with the virus.   People who have an allergy to eggs should not get the shot since they could have an allergic reaction to the vaccine.

I got my flu vaccine today and am supposed to get the H1N1 vaccine when it is released next month.  I have been told many times how important it is to get vaccinated.  There are no exceptions for vaccination (unless you have above mentioned allergy) and everyone is at risk of getting sick.

Tips for flu season:

1) Wash your hands often

2) Sneeze into your elbow or kleenex and wash your hands immediately afterwards

3) Avoid heavily crowded public places as much as possible

4) Take care of your body; get enough sleep, eat well, and take your vitamins

Symptoms of the Swine Flu:

It is said to typically begin as a sore throat that is quickly followed (within 24 hours) by a high fever (greater than 102), headache, body aches/muscle pains.  If you feel you have these symptoms, don't go to work, school, etc.  Call your doctor and see if they want to you come in (they may tell you to stay home so you don't infect their office).  The treatment is Tamiflu (if caught within the first 36 hours of illness) and symptomatic treatment.  Remember, this is a virus and antibiotics will not be effective.

For more information, go to the CDC's website.

http://www.cdc.org