Flu season 2009-10
Robert Barlow, MD, Cornell Family Medicine

Most of us in the Portland area know someone who has experienced the “swine” flu, which made its appearance in the U. S. in March 2009. It has been active for the past seven months across the country, affecting some areas worse than others. This is called Pandemic H1 N1 flu because of its spread across the country and continued activity.

Now that the H1N1 vaccine is available, everyone beyond infancy should be immunized. Certain populations are at higher risk of complications of H1 N1 including infants, children, pregnant women, and young adults up to 24 years of age as well as those with asthma, diabetes or immunocompromise or other chronic illnesses. One of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of the flu is to target the elementary school age children as soon as possible.

H1 N1 vaccine, as well as seasonal influenza vaccine, will be available as a nasal spray or injectable immunization. Flu season does not usually start until December but it is important to get immunized before that time to allow the immune system to develop protection. Not everyone should use the nasal spray vaccine due to increased side effects in some populations.

The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu, including 2009 H1N1 and have respiratory symptoms without a fever. Most of the deaths associated with flu are actually caused by pneumonia or other infections that people get when they’re weakened by flu.

Prevention of influenza

Influenza is spread from the lungs, mouth, and nose of someone who has had influenza. That person may cough or sneeze in your vicinity, or into their hands and then touch an object you may later handle (doorknob, shopping cart) and then your hand carries the germs to your nose/mouth/face.

• Get the H1 N1 vaccine when available–through your physician’s office or through health department flu shot clinics when available.
• Get the seasonal influenza vaccine when available.
• Use alcohol-based hand cleaners, especially after being in public places, grocery stores, restrooms, physician offices, and schools.
• Wash your hands often, especially after using a public restroom.
• Avoid rubbing or scratching your nose, eyes, or mouth areas.
• Cough into your sleeve or a tissue and throw the tissue into the trash.
• Teach your children these germ-limiting behaviors
• Avoid contact with sick persons.

Up-to-date information is available through the Oregon Public Health Division, www.flu.oregon.gov and also from the Center for Disease Control, www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

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