CDC Web site provides answers to H1N1 questions Published Sept. 16, 2009 By 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs Staff report CANNON AIR FORCE BASE -- The 2009 H1N1 - referred to as "swine flu - is an influenza virus causing illness in people. This virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. On June 11, the World Health Organization signaled that a pandemic of 2009 H1N1 flu was under way. The following questions and answers provide information that can help you take precautions to protect you and your family. Q: What are the plans for developing 2009 H1N1 vaccine? A: Vaccines are the most powerful public health tool for control of influenza, and the U.S. government is working closely with manufacturers to take steps in the process to manufacture a 2009 H1N1 vaccine. Working together with scientists in the public and private sector, CDC has isolated the new H1N1 virus and modified the virus so that it can be used to make hundreds of millions of doses of vaccine. Vaccine manufacturers are now using these materials to begin vaccine production. Making vaccine is a multi-step process which takes several months to complete. Candidate vaccines will be tested in clinical trials over the few months. Q: When is it expected that the 2009 H1N1 vaccine will be available? A: The 2009 H1N1 vaccine is expected to be available in the fall. Vaccine availability depends on several factors including manufacturing time clinical trials. Q: Will the seasonal flu vaccine also protect against the 2009 H1N1 flu? A: The seasonal flu vaccine is not expected to protect against the 2009 H1N1 flu. Q: Can the seasonal vaccine and the 2009 H1N1 vaccine be given at the same time? A: It is anticipated that seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 vaccines may be administered on the same day. However, the seasonal vaccine is exoected to be available earlier than the H1N1 vaccine. The usual seasonal influenza viruses are still expected to cause illness this fall and winter. Individuals are encouraged to get their seasonal flu vaccine as soon as it is available. Q: Who will be recommended to receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine? A: CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recommended that certain groups of the population receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine when it first becomes available. These target groups include pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old, and people ages of 25 through 64 years of age who are at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems. The committee recognized the need to assess supply and demand issues at the local level and recommended that once the demand for vaccine for these target groups has been met, programs and providers should begin vaccinating everyone from ages 25 through 64 years. Current studies indicate the risk for infection among persons age 65 or older is less than the risk for younger age groups. Therefore, as vaccine supply and demand for vaccine among younger age groups is being met, programs and providers should offer vaccination to people over the age of 65. Q: Do those that have been previously vaccinated against the 1976 swine influenza need to get vaccinated against the 2009 H1N1 influenza? A: The 1976 swine flu virus and the 2009 H1N1 virus are different enough that its unlikely a person vaccinated in 1976 will have full protection from the 2009 H1N1. People vaccinated in 1976 should still be given the 2009 H1N1 vaccine. Q: Where will the vaccine be available? A: Every state is developing a vaccine delivery plan. The vaccine will be available in a combination of settings such as vaccination clinics organized by local health departments, healthcare provider offices, schools, and other private settings, such as pharmacies and workplaces. For information about New Mexico, see http://www.health.state.nm.us/H1N1/documents/PA_GettingReady.pdf Q: Are there other ways to prevent the spread of illness? A: Take everyday actions to stay healthy. · Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. · Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective. · Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way. · Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Q: What about the use of antivirals to treat 2009 H1N1 infection? A: Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaled powder) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. This fall, antivirals may be prioritized for persons with severe illness or those at higher risk for flu complications. (Note: This information was provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site at www.cdc.gov/H1N1FLU/. )