Concerned About H1N1 FLU? Here's How You Can Beat It!

Influenza, often called the 'flu', is an infection of the nose, throat and lungs caused by an influenza virus.

In April, 2009 a new strain of influenza virus was found in Mexico City, pandemic influenza A/H1N1 (H1N1), also known as swine influenza. This virus contains parts of genes from pig, bird and human influenza. The combination of genes in H1N1 has never been seen before and almost everyone is susceptible.

About the Vaccine

On October 21, an adjuvanted vaccine for H1N1 was approved by Health Canada. Vaccinations in BC will start the week of October 26. A non-adjuvanted vaccine is expected by mid-November. The Public Health Agency of Canada has identified groups who will benefit most from immunization and those who care for them, and groups who will also benefit from immunization.

The H1N1 vaccine will be available in British Columbia in a phased approach beginning the week of October 26.

Initially, those who would most benefit and those at highest risk are recommended to receive the vaccine first. This includes pregnant women past their 20th week and adults under 65 with chronic medical conditions such as lung, heart, kidney or liver disease, diabetes, or who are immunosuppressed. People residing in remote and isolated communities will also be targeted.

Healthy British Columbians are asked to let those at high-risk be immunized first, in order to ensure the most vulnerable are protected.

Those who will benefit most from immunization include:

People under 65 with chronic medical conditions, because they are at higher risk of complications due to H1N1 infection. Pregnant women, because they are at highest risk of severe disease and pregnancy complications. The vaccine may also protect their fetus and newborn infant. Children 6 months to less than 5 years old, because they are at particular risk for severe disease and hospitalization. Persons residing in remote and isolated settings, because they often have limited access to medical care.

Those who care for them include:

Health care workers, because this will protect health care workers, prevent outbreaks and stop the potential spread of H1N1 to vulnerable patients. Household contacts and care providers of persons at high risk who cannot be immunized or may not respond to vaccines, because this will protect those are at risk. This includes infants less than 6 months old and people who are immunocompromised.

Others who will benefit from immunization include:

Children 5 to 18 years old, because this group has the highest rate of H1N1 infection and can transmit the infection to many other people. First responders, because they frequently attend emergency health situations. Poultry and swine workers, to reduce risk of co-infection of these workers with H1N1 and other influenza strains. Co-infection could lead to the emergence of new influenza viruses. Adults 19 to 64 years old, because they have an increased risk of severe H1N1 disease. Adults 65 years and older, because they may have a reduced response to the vaccine.

Where can I get the vaccine?

Contact your local Public Health unit or your physician for more information on where to get your vaccine. Click here to find your local Public Health office.

About the Disease

What are the symptoms of H1N1 infection?

The symptoms of pH1N1 are similar to those of normal seasonal influenza. These include high fever, cough, sore throat, headache, body aches, chills, fatigue, eye pain, shortness of breath and lack of appetite. Some people, especially children, also experience nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Symptoms or complications such as severe respiratory distress or pneumonia may develop in moderate or severe infections. People with chronic health conditions are more likely to develop moderate or severe infections.

How can I prevent getting sick with H1N1?

The best way to protect yourself and those around you is to get the vaccine.

Until the vaccine is available, remember to:

Stay home when you're sick. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze. If you don't have a tissue, use your elbow. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Wash your hands frequently using soap and water. Use an alcohol-based disposable hand wipe or gel sanitizer if you can't access soap and water. Practice other good health habits: get enough sleep, keep physically active, manage your stress, eat nutritiously, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid smoking. Smoking can increase your risk of serious consequences from influenza. LINK: http://www.immunizebc.ca/ImmVacPrevDis/InfluenzaH1N1/default.htm For more information, click the links on this blog's right-hand menu entitled "H1N1 (Swine Flu) Information."