Lapeer County Health Department

H1N1 Influenza Update

January, 2010

Together, we can fight the flu.

Sunday, January 10, 2010 marks the beginning of the annual observance of National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW). This flu season has presented our community with a unique challenge to fight a new type of influenza -- the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus.

The H1N1 flu is a serious disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that between mid-April and November 14, 2009, 47 million people in the United States were infected with the 2009 H1N1 flu, more than 200,000 people were hospitalized, and over 9,800 people died. Influenza is unpredictable and we do not know the likelihood of a future wave of H1N1 flu, but we do know that vaccination is the most important step in protecting against influenza. Protect yourself, your family and your community by getting vaccinated. Visit www.flu.gov to find the closest vaccination clinic and learn more facts about the H1N1 flu. Show your love to your family and our community by keeping yourself and those close to you healthy; get yourself and your family vaccinated.

H1N1 Influenza Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the H1N1 Influenza outbreak over?

A: In Michigan and Lapeer County we have seen a significant decrease in the number of cases of H1N1influenza. It is not clear what we should expect in the future from H1N1. Influenza tends to come in “waves”. So far, we had significant disease activity in the spring of 2009 and again this past fall. However, it appears that influenza activity was fairly light in Lapeer County this fall. This could mean that there are still a largenumber of susceptible individuals who could pick up the virus through travel (or those with H1N1 traveling to Michigan) starting a new wave this winter or spring. CDC’s recommendations continue to emphasize the need for vaccination for those most at risk for severe disease.

Q: Has there been a change in the vaccine priorities?

A: The Michigan Department of Community Health announced that effective 12/14/09, they are expanding the eligibility for H1N1 vaccine to all residents who wish to be vaccinated. While H1N1 Influenza has generallybeen a mild disease, we have seen some residents hospitalized with severe disease and have had oneconfirmed death. The majority of those with severe disease/death nationally have had other health conditions that may have contributed to their severe illness. CDC notes that particularly those with other respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD (emphysema) are at greater risk. There also continues to be more severe disease among those who are obese and those who smoke cigarettes. About 30% of those with severe disease have no other known health conditions.

Q: Where can I get vaccine in Lapeer County?

A: A number of our local physicians are administering vaccine, and plenty of vaccine is now available to them. Vaccine is also available at the Meijer and Kroger Pharmacies. Vaccine is also available by calling Lapeer County Health Department at (810) 667-0448 to schedule an appointment. For more information on vaccine safety, visit Flu.gov Facts and Myths at: http://www.flu.gov/myths/index.html?WT.mc_id=fluMyths_Nov09&WT.mc_ev=click

Q: I’ve heard that some residents should also receive pneumonia vaccine.

A: Due to an increase in the number of cases of flu related pneumonia, the CDC recommends a single dose of pneumococcal vaccine for all people 65 years of age and older and for persons 2 through 64 years of age with certain high risk conditions. Children are routinely vaccinated with pneumococcal vaccine and the CDC emphasizes that those ages 19-64 with high risk conditions (asthma and other respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes) should receive pneumonia vaccine. More information is available on the CDC website at: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/qa_pneumococcal_disease.htm

The Lapeer County Health Department is able to order pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccine from MDCH for residents who are at risk (see below) and do not have insurance that covers vaccination. There is a $12 fee for administration of this vaccine. Please call (810) 667-0448 for information on pneumococcal vaccine.

Q: Should my child’s school notify me if they learn of a confirmed H1N1 case?

A: Cases of H1N1 may continue throughout the winter and spring. You should assume that your child could be exposed to H1N1 at school, at church, at the grocery store, and during other activities your child may participate in. Because of this, it is not necessary for schools to notify parents of every case of possible or confirmed H1N1. If your child is at high risk of complications from the flu you should discuss the recommendation for H1N1 vaccine with your physician or call Lapeer County Health Department at (810) 667-0448 for an appointment.

Q: Should I be concerned about exposure to H1N1?

A: For the vast majority of those who are infected, this remains a mild flu illness similar to seasonal flu. However, this flu is a little different from the usual seasonal flu in that it is affecting young people at a much higher rate than those over the age of 65. People who have certain other health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, emphysema, kidney disease, etc., pregnant women and small children often have more severe illness from the flu. Due to these factors, the CDC is highly recommending vaccine for these groups.

Q: Should I get vaccine? Should I have my child vaccinated?

A: CDC recommends H1N1 vaccine for the following groups:

1) Pregnant women

2) Household contacts of children less than 6 months of age

3) Health care and EMS workers

4) Children 6 months-24 years of age

5) Non elderly (25-64 year old) population with medical conditions that put them at risk of severe

disease from influenza

6) Everyone who wishes to reduce their risk of complications from the flu. Although the majority

of persons with severe H1N1 disease have had other medical conditions, approximately 30% of

those with severe disease and who have died have been apparently healthy.

Q: What are symptoms of H1N1?

A: Symptoms of H1N1 are similar to seasonal flu and may include: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or

stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue and sometimes diarrhea and vomiting.

Q: Should I see my doctor if I have flu-like symptoms?

A: Most people with flu like symptoms do not need to see their physician. Antiviral medication is only

recommended for those with other health conditions that make them more vulnerable to flu

complications, or for severe disease. Stay at home, rest, drink plenty of fluids and take fever reducers

(aspirin is NOT recommended for children).

Q: What if I am at high risk for flu complications?

A: If you have other medical conditions that put you at risk for severe flu (asthma, diabetes, etc.) are

over aged 65 or under age 2 or are pregnant, contact your physician at the first sign of flu symptoms to

discuss recommendations for antiviral medication.

• Know the Emergency Warning Signs of severe flu and seek immediate medical attention:

In Children:

o Fast breathing or trouble breathing

o Bluish skin color

o Not drinking enough fluids

o Not waking up or not interacting

o Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held

o Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

o Fever with a rash

In Adults:

o Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

o Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

o Sudden dizziness

o Confusion

o Severe or persistent vomiting

Q: How can I do my part to reduce the spread of flu?

A: You should not return to work or school until at least 24 hours after the fever has subsided. This is

likely to be the most effective method of reducing the spread of flu this season. Frequent hand washing

has been shown to be one of the most effective methods of reducing the spread of flu.