TRINITY FAMILY MEDICINE
WHAT'S NEW: Influenza
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H1N1 INFORMATION
Below are some common questions and answers about H1N1
and the flu. I have also provided a link to the CDC. The CDC, the
Centers for Disease Control dictates our policy regarding
treatment and prevention of H1N1. These recommendations are
supported by Williamson and Travis counties as well as the
State of Texas. The recommendations are changing on almost a
daily basis. These recommendations are current as of
September 2009.
1. Who needs the "regular" flu shot?
Answer: everyone
Why?: The regular flu shot contains all the virus strains the experts
at the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) predicted would cause
the flu this year. They make this prediction based on the viruses
that caused the flu over the last several years. They isolate that
virus, and make a vaccine.
2. Why is the flu a big deal?
Answer because people can die from the flu
Last year about 3000 people in the US died from the flu. Usually,
these are people who are very young (2 or less) or old (65 or older)
or people with health problems. That said, even healthy people can
die from the flu.
3. How scared should you be?
Answer DON'T FREAK OUT.
See number 6 below
4. How do I know if I have the flu?
Answer: Symptoms of the flu are SUDDEN onset of fever,
MASSIVE body aches, chills. Basically everything hurts all at once.
The flu comes on all of a sudden. It is not something that gets
better in a few days. Most people say they feel like they got hit by a
truck! You really feel horrible. If you feel this way, come in to be
seen.
5. How do we treat the flu?
Answer: If you see your doctor within 48 hours you will probably
get a prescription for an anti-viral drug like Relenza (nasal spray)
or Tamiflu. If you have asthma, tell your doctor because Relenza
may cause your asthma to get worse. In severe cases, some
patients are admitted to the hospital. Remember, that even without
anti-viral medication, your body can win the fight against the flu.
Remember, even if you are treated with medication for the flu:
TAKE ALL OF YOUR MEDICATION and let your doctor know if you
are not improving.
6. How do you know if you are in trouble?
Answer: Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fever for more
than 7 days, symptoms that go away but come back.
The number one complication of the flu is pneumonia. If you have
these symptoms, you will probably need antibiotics.
7. How is swine flu (H1N1) different than the regular flu?
Answer: It's not! The flu is the flu. The same rules above apply.
8. Who needs to the H1N1 vaccine?
Answer: 1. Pregnant women (NOT THE LIVE VIRUS), 2. Everyone
aged 6 months to 24 years old 3. Adults who live with children
less than 6 months old 4. Health care professionals who are in
direct care of patients with the flu 5. Adults aged 25 to age 64
who have health problems
Notice, the guidelines regarding who gets H1N1 have now
changed. After November, the CDC encouraged that everyone get
the H1N1 vaccine regardless of their age. The CDC now believes
they have enough vaccine to cover everyone in the U.S.
9. When will H1N1 be available?
Answer: We have H1N1 available now.
10. What if I get the flu and I'm breastfeeding, can I use the
medications?
Answer The current guidelines say 'Yes' you can take the
medications. The hope is that the medication will also benefit the
infant via the breast milk.
For more information, visit the CDC at: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu
Below are some common questions and answers about H1N1
and the flu. I have also provided a link to the CDC. The CDC, the
Centers for Disease Control dictates our policy regarding
treatment and prevention of H1N1. These recommendations are
supported by Williamson and Travis counties as well as the
State of Texas. The recommendations are changing on almost a
daily basis. These recommendations are current as of
September 2009.
1. Who needs the "regular" flu shot?
Answer: everyone
Why?: The regular flu shot contains all the virus strains the experts
at the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) predicted would cause
the flu this year. They make this prediction based on the viruses
that caused the flu over the last several years. They isolate that
virus, and make a vaccine.
2. Why is the flu a big deal?
Answer because people can die from the flu
Last year about 3000 people in the US died from the flu. Usually,
these are people who are very young (2 or less) or old (65 or older)
or people with health problems. That said, even healthy people can
die from the flu.
3. How scared should you be?
Answer DON'T FREAK OUT.
See number 6 below
4. How do I know if I have the flu?
Answer: Symptoms of the flu are SUDDEN onset of fever,
MASSIVE body aches, chills. Basically everything hurts all at once.
The flu comes on all of a sudden. It is not something that gets
better in a few days. Most people say they feel like they got hit by a
truck! You really feel horrible. If you feel this way, come in to be
seen.
5. How do we treat the flu?
Answer: If you see your doctor within 48 hours you will probably
get a prescription for an anti-viral drug like Relenza (nasal spray)
or Tamiflu. If you have asthma, tell your doctor because Relenza
may cause your asthma to get worse. In severe cases, some
patients are admitted to the hospital. Remember, that even without
anti-viral medication, your body can win the fight against the flu.
Remember, even if you are treated with medication for the flu:
TAKE ALL OF YOUR MEDICATION and let your doctor know if you
are not improving.
6. How do you know if you are in trouble?
Answer: Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fever for more
than 7 days, symptoms that go away but come back.
The number one complication of the flu is pneumonia. If you have
these symptoms, you will probably need antibiotics.
7. How is swine flu (H1N1) different than the regular flu?
Answer: It's not! The flu is the flu. The same rules above apply.
8. Who needs to the H1N1 vaccine?
Answer: 1. Pregnant women (NOT THE LIVE VIRUS), 2. Everyone
aged 6 months to 24 years old 3. Adults who live with children
less than 6 months old 4. Health care professionals who are in
direct care of patients with the flu 5. Adults aged 25 to age 64
who have health problems
Notice, the guidelines regarding who gets H1N1 have now
changed. After November, the CDC encouraged that everyone get
the H1N1 vaccine regardless of their age. The CDC now believes
they have enough vaccine to cover everyone in the U.S.
9. When will H1N1 be available?
Answer: We have H1N1 available now.
10. What if I get the flu and I'm breastfeeding, can I use the
medications?
Answer The current guidelines say 'Yes' you can take the
medications. The hope is that the medication will also benefit the
infant via the breast milk.
For more information, visit the CDC at: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu