CATEGORY – HEALTH CARE NEWS SCOPE
H1N1 INFLUENZA
H1N1 virus is an Influenza A virus from the Orthomyxoviridae family. These are single-stranded RNA viruses. Influenza epidemics generally occur between December and March in the Northern Hemisphere and between May and August in the Southern. The Novel H1N1 flu virus is a combination of avian (bird), swine, and human virus.
Novel "New" Influenza (previously known as the Swine Flu) can be spread from person to person. H1N1 flu outbreak originated in Mexico and since that time it has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The H1N1 virus differs from the seasonal flu that we have been experiencing. It is targeting different groups in terms of its associated morbidity and mortality. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) along with the State and local health departments has responded by setting goals to reduce transmission and severity of the illness associated with the H1N1 virus by providing information to help health care providers, public health officials, and the public address the challenges posed by this emergency. The CDC has recommended that everyone be vaccinated in order to achieve these goals. The groups that are being targeted to receive the vaccine first because they are at high-risk are:
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Children age 6 months to 18 years of age who have a chronic diseaseChildren between 6 months and 4 years of ageHealth care and emergency medical service personnel who provide direct person carePersons who provide care to infants less than 6 months of agePregnant WomenSigns and Symptoms:
The H1N1 virus is thought to spread the same way as the seasonal flu, through respiratory droplets. These droplets are spread through coughing, sneezing, or touching areas or objects that are infected with the H1N1 virus and then touching your mucus membranes (mouth, nose, eyes) without washing your hands.
The signs and symptoms of the Novel H1N1 flu are similar to the seasonal flu. They usually begin abruptly after a one to five days incubation period. These are fever, lethargy, headache, body aches, lack of appetite, and coughing. Some people have a runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Some symptoms such as dry cough and malaise may persist for weeks. Most people who become ill with H1N1 virus will recover without requiring medical treatment.
Adults who experience difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion, severe or persistent vomiting, or flu-like symptoms that improve but return with fever and worse cough require medical intervention. Children who experience fast breathing or trouble breathing, skin color is bluish or gray, not drinking enough adequate fluids, severe or persistent vomiting, lethargic, irritable, or experience flu-like symptoms that improve but return with a fever and worse cough require medical intervention also.
Prevention and Treatment
What can I do to stay healthy?
In order to help stop the spread of the H1N1 virus (and other diseases) everyone must become involved and take control of their personal health and their communities’ health. Taking control of your personal health means practicing healthy habits by:
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Take the H1N1 vaccine.Stay home when sick until your fever has been gone for at least 24 hours. Get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids.Avoid crowds.Avoid close contact with people with flu-like symptoms.Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth. Cover nose and mouth with a sleeve or tissue when you cough or sneeze.Cleaning surfaces regularly with household cleaners such as table tops, door knobs, etc., will kill the H1N1 virus that maybe found on them.Alcohol based (60% alcohol content) hand cleaners/sanitizers are also effective.washing hands often with soap and water for 15 to 20 seconds (especially after coughing or sneezing).Antiviral Medications
Antivirals oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) are prioritized for persons with severe illness or those at high risk for flu complications. Treatment is recommended for all hospitalized patients with 2009 H1N1 virus infection.
Persons who are at high risk of developing complications from influenza should receive early empiric treatment with oseltamivir or zanamivir when influenza is suspected or confirmed. Treatment with these drugs must start within 48 hours after symptoms begin. Persons at high risk are children under 2 years of age, persons 65 years of age or older, persons at any age with certain chronic medical or immunosuppressive conditions (for example, asthma, diabetes, cancer) pregnant women and women who are 2 weeks postpartum (including loss pregnancy), persons under 19 years of age receiving long term aspirin therapy.
Available Vaccines
Three vaccines are killed "Inactivated" virus flu shots. These are made by Sanofi Pasteur, Novartis, or CLS Limited).
Intranasal live weakened virus is made by Medimmune.
All are monovalent vaccines containing the Influenza A California/07/2009/H1N1 strain.
Children 10 years and under receives 2 doses of H1N1 one month apart.
All four of these vaccines are similar to the seasonal flu vaccine. They are all propagated in eggs. The single dose does not contain preservatives. The multi-dose contains the preservative called thimerosal. Persons who are allergic to eggs or have had a previous severe reaction to the seasonal flu vaccine should not take the H1N1 vaccines except under special conditions.
December 7 – 13 has been designated as National Handwashing Awareness Week. Please remember to always wash your hands, especially after mealtime and snack time; sneezing, coughing; or when you feel your hands are dirty.
Contributor: Belinda Hernandez, RN, BSN, MSA