GRDHD - H1N1 Update

Weekly Update:

Here in the United States, we're seeing low levels of flu activity, although almost all that we're seeing is primarily novel H1N1 virus disease. It's important to remember that this time of year, we don't normally have influenza, so even a low level is an unusual event.
The southeast seems to be seeing a greater number of cases.
We have 9 confirmed cases in our district, but we know there are many more and that isn’t an accurate representation of what is going on in our communities.
We are seeing in our communities and schools, KY is still in regional activity.
KY has now reported its’ first death, Fayette county, but this person had underlying medical conditions.
Treatment is still the same, as the vast majority of H1N1 cases remain susceptible to Tamiflu and Zanamivir but the CDC is only recommending those who are considered to be “high risk” for complications from influenza to receive those antivirals. This decision is left up to the primary care provider.
Testing is recommended only if the patient is pregnant, severe enough to be hospitalized, or in an institutional setting in which there have not been cases previously identified.
The novel H1N1 continues to disproportionately affect younger persons, so it behaves very differently from seasonal influenza, where we see much of the severe influenza among the elderly.
75% of the hospitalizations and 60% of the deaths are in those aged under 49.
Flu is unpredictable and it's hard to say what our season will look like, but preparation is important and that is what we are trying to accomplish-preparedness!
Activity from the 2009 H1N1 virus appears to be decreasing in the southern hemisphere.
As you're aware, we've been watching the southern hemisphere very closely for any changes in the behavior, the epidemiology of the virus or in the virus itself, and we have not seen those events.
WHO did report some rare instances of severe respiratory illness in a few H1N1 cases.
There are five manufacturers currently working on H1N1 vaccine production.
Initially, the number of vaccine doses that will be available to each state will be based on the state's population and we anticipate they will arrive in October.
If any health care provider is interested in giving the H1N1 vaccine, he/she is encouraged to sign up on the KHELPS website @: https://khelps.chfs.ky.gov.
According to the CDC, there are no red flags regarding safety with the H1N1 vaccine in the clinical trials thus far. Reactions have been those that you would normally see, such as redness and soreness at the injection site.
It's important to remember that we cannot count on the vaccine to stop the spread of influenza and we must continue to get out the message of prevention and personal responsibility measures, such as hand washing, respiratory etiquette, and staying home when sick.

The groups recommended to receive the novel H1N1 influenza vaccine are still as follows:

Pregnant women because they are at higher risk of complications and can potentially provide protection to infants who cannot be vaccinated;
Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age because younger infants are at higher risk of influenza-related complications and cannot be vaccinated. Vaccination of those in close contact with infants less than 6 months old might help protect infants by “cocooning” them from the virus;
Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel because infections among healthcare workers have been reported and this can be a potential source of infection for vulnerable patients. Also, increased absenteeism in this population could reduce healthcare system capacity;
All people from 6 months through 24 years of age
- Children from 6 months through 18 years of age because we have seen many cases of novel H1N1 influenza in children and they are in close contact with each other in school and day care settings, which increases the likelihood of disease spread, and
- Young adults 19 through 24 years of age because we have seen many cases of novel H1N1 influenza in these healthy young adults and they often live, work, and study in close proximity, and they are a frequently mobile population; and,
Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.

Any questions, please let us know! Please refer to our website for the latest documents, such as fact sheets and FAQ’s.