CapitalCare Medical Group H1N1 swine flu

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THE H1N1 INFLUENZA PANDEMIC Updated 9/17/2009


Vaccine Safety
General Questions and Answers on Thimerosal
General Questions and Answers on Guillain-Barre Syndrome

	Q: What is a pandemic?
	A: A pandemic occurs when an infection spreads among many people in more than one area of the world. It means that the infection is widespread, and not necessarily that it is severe. So far, most H1N1 infections have been mild and similar in severity to seasonal flu.

	Q: What are the symptoms of H1N1 infection?
	A: Symptoms are similar to those of seasonal influenza, including fever, cough, fatigue, body aches, sore throat and headache. Vomiting and diarrhea are more common with H1N1 than with seasonal flu..

	Q: How is H1N1 influenza transmitted?
	A: Similar to seasonal flu, H1N1 is transmitted when a nearby infected person coughs or sneezes, or when a person touches a contaminated surface and then touches his or her eyes, nose and/or mouth.

	Q: How is H1N1 different from seasonal influenza?
	A: Unlike seasonal flu, H1N1 infection occurs most commonly in children and young adults (aged 5-24) and is less common in those over 65 years of age. The next largest number of infections has occurred in infants and children under age 4, followed by adults aged 25-49 and then those aged 50-64.

	Q: Who is at highest risk for complications of H1N1 influenza?
	A: The highest risk groups for complications of H1N1 flu include pregnant women, infants, children and young adults up to the age of 24. In addition, persons with asthma, diabetes, heart disease and other chronic illnesses are at higher-than-average risk.

	Q: When will the H1N1 vaccine be available?
	A: As of now, it is estimated that between 45 and 52 million doses of H1N1 vaccine will be available nationwide by mid-October, followed by about 20 million additional doses per week up to a total of about 195 million doses.

	Q: Who will need the H1N1 vaccine most urgently?
	A: The priority target groups for H1N1 vaccine include: pregnant women, household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age, healthcare workers and emergency medical service personnel, children and young adults up to 24 years of age and persons aged 25-64 who have certain chronic health conditions.

	Q: Who will need the H1N1 vaccine most urgently?
	A: The priority target groups for H1N1 vaccine include: pregnant women, household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age, healthcare workers and emergency medical service personnel, children and young adults up to 24 years of age and persons aged 25-64 who have certain chronic health conditions.

	Seasonal influenza and H1N1 require SEPARATE vaccinations, and people may require two injections for H1N1. Public health experts recommend vaccination against seasonal flu NOW. If you are in a priority target group for H1N1 vaccination, or if you have any questions, please contact your CapitalCare physician.

Seasonal Flu

Flu Management and Prevention Strategies

Flu Vaccine Availability