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Media contact: Shantell Kirkendoll E-mail: smkirk@umich.edu Phone: 734-764-2220 |
H1N1 (swine flu) update: What you need to know
University of Michigan Health System infectious disease expert offers advice for managing for what could be a rough flu season
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ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The vaccine to protect against H1N1(swine flu) is trickling into doctors’ offices and health clinics, but who should get it and what will the flu season be like?
”This flu season, H1N1 has started earlier and, we think, will continue through our regular flu season,” says Sandro K. Cinti, M.D., an infectious disease expert at the University of Michigan Health System and VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System. “So it will be a little bit longer than we’re used to.”
But while seasonal flu contributes to 30,000 to 40,000 deaths a year, H1N1 could lead to mortality numbers as high as 50,000 to 90,000.
It creates new questions about how to protect against a potentially deadly virus, especially for those who do not fit into the recommended – mostly young – age groups for vaccination.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends certain groups be vaccinated against H1N1: pregnant women, those ages 6 months to 24 years; parents and those who care for infants under 6 months old, health care workers, and those age 25 to 64 with health conditions that compromise immunity.
Cinti answers key questions about the flu season:
Who is most susceptible to the H1N1 virus?
“The people whom we are most concerned about are children who are under the age of 2, people who have underlying risk factors and we are particularly concerned about pregnant women because they seem to have a much higher risk for complications if they get infected,” Cinti says.
Who’s considered high-risk?
“Diseases that would make an individual particularly vulnerable to H1N1 include those with chronic disease such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis and those who are immunocompromised meaning their immune system is down for some reason,” the U-M expert says.
“This includes patients who have had organ transplants, those who are HIV positive and people who are on high doses of steroids such as an asthmatic who is taking steroids on a regular basis.”
Others at high risk include people on dialysis, those with heart failure and those with chronic lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma or emphysema. Cancer treatment is associated with decreased immunity and those patients should seek vaccination.
Why are young people such high priority for vaccination?
“Ifwe look at the first wave of H1N1 down in the southern hemisphere the average age for infections is probably in the teens to 20’s and the mortality rates are higher among people 25 to 50 years of age,” he says.
What are symptoms of H1N1?
“The symptoms for H1N1 are almost exactly the same as seasonal flu,” Cinti says. “It’s fevers, chills, muscle aches and some people get diarrhea and nausea, which can also happen with seasonal flu.
“You may never know that you had H1N1 and one thing you should not expect is that the doctors will test you if you think you have H1N1 because we’re only testing certain people,” he says.
When should I get medical attention?
“Most people will have a mild illness that lasts two to three days and will not require therapy, but those at high-risk for complications such as pregnant women and those with immunity issues should call their physicians if they have symptoms,” Cinti advises.
Healthy people should not seek medical help unless they have shortness of breath, are unable to keep down fluids or are unable to take care of themselves at home, he says.
What’s the risk for infection this season?
Based on the experience in the southern hemisphere, the number of H1N1 infections may be two to three times higher than the seasonal flu season, Cinti says. Experts predict 30 percent to 40 percent of the U.S. population could be infected with H1N1.
Do I need to wear a mask at public places?
Infection requires close contact with somebody who’s sick. Avoiding being within 3 to 6 feet of somebody who’s sick, washing your hands and avoiding touching your face after touching surfaces help prevent infection. “Masks themselves, for somebody who’s not sick, probably does not work to prevent infections outside of the healthcare setting,” he says.
What are ways to protect against H1N1?
“The messages we’re trying to get out there are to cover your cough, avoid people who are sick, get vaccinated if you’re in one of the high risk groups, get your seasonal vaccine and protect others around you if you get sick, meaning don’t go to work if you get sick,” Cinti says.
People who are healthy and do not fit into one of the high risk groups, will not be tested and most likely won’t be treated. Another thing to recognize is not to overburden hospitals and emergency departments with unnecessary visits.
“If you simply have a fever, muscle aches and are not feeling well, stay home and ride it out,” he says. “A majority of people will be able to do that just fine.”
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