According to the Centers for Disease Control, the Novel H1N1 virus is a new strain of influenza first detected in Mexico in early March 2009. It has spread from country to country and in June 2009, the World Health Organization confirmed that a pandemic was underway. Most people who become ill with the virus don't require medical help, but some groups are at "high risk" of serious complications. These groups include pregnant women, children under five, adults over 64, and people with specific chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, hematological, neurological, neuromuscular and metabolic disorders.
H1N1 vaccinations are being offered at clinics throughout Sacramento County. Neighboring counties haven't released their schedules, which The Bee will publish as they become available.
Health officials have set priorities for who should get the vaccine: pregnant women; people who take care of infants under 6 months old; health care workers; people ages 6 months through 24 years of age; adults ages 24 to 64 with underlying medical conditions that make them susceptible to flu-related complications. However, anyone may get the vaccine. Here are answers to basic questions about the vaccine:
How much does it cost?
It's free. However, your doctor or a pharmacy may charge an administrative fee.
Do you have to be healthy to get the vaccine?
Reschedule if you are moderately or severely ill. If you are mildly ill, it should be OK.
Are there groups that should not get the vaccine?
Do not get the vaccine if you have a severe egg allergy. Tell the provider if you have other severe allergies, if you have had an allergic reaction to the seasonal flu vaccine or have had Guillain-Barré syndrome.
What's the difference between the nasal spray and the shot?
The nasal spray contains a weakened virus while the shot contains a dead virus. Anybody can get the shot form of the vaccine. Only healthy people ages 2 to 49 who are not pregnant should get the nasal spray.
How many doses will I need?
Children through age 9 should get two doses of the vaccine. Everybody else needs only one dose.
What symptoms could I develop from the vaccine?
You cannot get the flu from the shot version of the vaccine. There may be soreness at the site of the injection for a short time, and with the nasal spray some people may have a runny nose, headache or other symptoms for a short time.
Is there a problem getting both the H1N1 and the seasonal flu vaccine?
There's no problem getting vaccinated for more than one strain of flu at a time. However, health officials say, if you are getting both vaccinations, at least one should be in shot form. Getting two nasal spray vaccines could reduce their effectiveness.
If you or a family member shows symptoms:
• Stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever subsides without use of medication. Recent studies suggest the flu could be contagious for more than a week after symptoms appear.
• Wear a mask when leaving home for medical appointments or other necessities.
• Rest and drink plenty of fluids.
• Move into a separate room from the rest of the household. Use a separate bathroom, which should be cleaned daily.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sneeze into sleeve. Throw tissues in trash. Wash hands after sneezing or coughing.
• Most people do not need antiviral drugs to recover.
Call the doctor if:
• The infected person is older than 65 or younger than 2; has cancer, blood disorders, chronic lung disease, diabetes, heart disease, kidney or liver disorders, neurological disorders, a weakened immune system or is pregnant.
Get medical help immediately if:
• Children have trouble breathing; bluish or gray skin color; aren't drinking fluids; aren't waking or interacting; are irritable to the point they do not want to be held; develop a fever with a rash; seem to improve then fever returns and cough worsens.
• Adults have difficulty breathing or shortness of breath; vomit persistently or experience pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness or confusion.
Advice for caregivers:
• Designate one caregiver. This person should not be pregnant or have other health issues.
• Avoid getting too close to the sick person.
• While holding a sick child, place the child's chin on your shoulder so he or she doesn't cough in your face.
• Ask your doctor about taking antiviral medication to prevent you from getting the flu.
• Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers who have the flu, as this can cause Reye's syndrome.
