Don't fool around with flu

The 2009-2010 flu season officially begins next week but many are already feeling the effects of the virus.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Virginia is one of several jurisdictions reporting widespread flu activity and the anticipated season hasn't even started yet. On average, the CDC estimates that more than 36,000 people die of seasonal flu-related causes each year. During the 2008-2009 flu season, which closed out Aug. 30, 593 deaths and 9,079 hospitalizations were caused by the 2009 H1N1 flu virus, also referred to as swine flu or novel H1N1.
According to Rappahanock-Rapidan Health District Epidemiologist Kelly Sullivan, the upcoming flu season has more uncertainties than usual due to the H1N1 influenza virus, which caused the first influenza pandemic, or global outbreak of disease, in more than 40 years.
"Severity is uncertain," she said. "Timing is uncertain."
According to Sullivan, many people do not have immune protection against H1N1. Scientists believe that this virus, along with regular seasonal viruses, will cause illness, hospital stays and deaths this flu season.
"There is a concern that the 2009 H1N1 virus may cause the season to be worse than a regular flu season-with a lot more people getting sick, being hospitalized and dying than during a regular flu season."
As for timing, in past years seasonal flu activity reached its peak in the United States during January of February, but flu activity occurred as late as May. However, the H1N1 virus has caused illness, hospitalizations and deaths during the summer months when influenza is uncommon.
"It is not known when flu activity will increase, when it will be most intense, what viruses will circulate or how long the season might last," Sullivan said.
Also, based on state laboratory findings, if a person currently has symptoms consistent with influenza, it's reasonable to assume at this point that it is H1N1.
"There is little if any seasonal influenza circulating recently in our area," she said. "This may change as we get closet to the typical flu season, but it's hard to predict."
While seasonal flu usually affects those older than 64, H1N1 is the opposite. According to Sullivan, information analyzed by the CDC supports the conclusion that H1N1 has caused greater disease burden in people younger than 25 years old. At this time, there are few cases and deaths reported in people over 64. Currently, H1N1 seems to be more serious in healthy young people from birth through age 24, pregnant women, and adults ages 25-64 with underlying medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, suppressed immune systems, heart disease, kidney disease, neurocognitive and neuromuscular disorders and pregnancy.
The symptoms of H1N1 include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, chills and fatigue. Some people may also suffer from vomiting and diarrhea. Also, some people may be infected but have respiratory symptoms without a fever.
So how can you avoid its spread? Sullivan suggests cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing; washing hands often with soap and water; avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth; and avoid close contact with people who are sick. Also, the CDC recommends that ill people stay at home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone and keeping away from others as much as possible to avoid spreading illnesses.
Orange County Public Schools are among many school divisions throughout the country that are trying to prevent the spread of the virus. In a letter sent home to parents by superintendent Dr. Robert P. Grimesey, parents are encouraged to teach their children good cough and hand hygiene etiquette, monitor children for flu-like symptoms and keep sick children home from school. According to director of facilities Ann Bledsoe, hand sanitizer has also been made available in every classroom to prevent the spread of germs. Plus, parents are encouraged to have their children vaccinated against the virus.
According to Sullivan, vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza infection and its complications. When the H1N1 vaccine first becomes available later this fall, the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than six months of age, healthcare and emergency personnel, those between six months and 24 years old and people ages 25-64 with underlying health issues should get the vaccine first. While there is not expected to be a shortage of the vaccine, there is some possibility that initially it will be available in limited quantities. Should that occur, those groups recommended by ACIP will receive the vaccine before others. Once the demand in those groups has been met, programs and providers should begin vaccinating everyone from ages 25-64. Later, the vaccine will be offered to those over 65, who are the least at risk for complications associated with the virus.
Also, according to Sullivan, the flu vaccine does not cause the flu.
"The viruses contained in flu shots are inactivated which means they cannot cause infection," she said. "Batches of flu vaccine are tested to make sure they are safe."
She said common side effects of flu shots are soreness or redness at the injection site. The CDC expects that any side effects following vaccination would be rare. However, those with a severe allergy to chicken eggs or to any other substance in the vaccine should not be vaccinated.
For more information, visit www.flu.gov.