News :The Current Status of H1N1 (Swine Flu)
Posted on Monday, August 24, 2009
The H1N1 virus (Swine Flu) is now categorized by the World Health Organization as a Phase 5-6 Pandemic with widespread human infection and is expected to continue to spread globally.
As of August 14, officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta said their count of U.S. H1N1 (Swine Flu) deaths has risen to 477 and Swine Flu-associated hospitalizations have grown to more than 7,511. This flu has now spread to 168 countries and territories. Furthermore, the H1N1 virus has an attack rate of 30 percent, which means that one in three of those exposed becomes infected. This makes influenza immunizations of nurses and other healthcare personnel especially important this season.
While it is believed that more than one million Americans have been infected with H1N1, many cases have gone unreported. Reasons for this could include symptoms being less severe than expected or people not realizing that their symptoms were that of H1N1.
The CDC is currently preparing for a national H1N1 vaccination campaign. According to its Website, “Working with Congress, governors, mayors, state and local health departments, the medical community and our private sector partners, the administration has been actively preparing for a range of H1N1 virus outbreak scenarios that may develop over the next few months and will prepare action plans based on the best scientific information available to help our nation respond aggressively to H1N1.”
How H1N1 Differs From Seasonal Flu.
Seasonal flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, which can be mild to severe at times.
Symptoms of seasonal flu may include fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, muscle aches, and stomach ailments like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Like H1N1, the symptoms can vary, from mild to severe.
Working closely to develop and distribute vaccines.
Furthermore, the CDC site says it “will be working closely with our partners in the medical community to develop, test, purchase and distribute vaccines as well as medicines to treat those who may contract the H1N1 virus.”
The federal government is making every effort to have a safe and effective H1N1 vaccine available for distribution; first trials of the vaccine’s safety began in early August. There is also heightened attention on seasonal flu, as the World Health Organization reported on August 5th that all vaccine manufacturers have begun shipments of seasonal flu vaccine earlier than usual.
While seasonal flu vaccinations will begin as soon as vaccine is available, H1N1 vaccines may not be available until mid-to-late October at the earliest. Therefore it is possible, even probable, that H1N1 epidemics may begin in different parts of the country before then.
This makes prevention even more critical. In addition to undertaking prevention methods for H1N1, Maxim Healthcare Services recommends getting vaccinated for seasonal influenza as soon as possible. You can find a clinic in your area by visiting www.findaflushot.com.
In addition to prevention, Maxim Healthcare Services is also committed to filling flu clinic positions throughout the country. For more information on available positions and how to apply, visit www.maximnurses.com
Who should be first to receive the new H1N1 vaccine?
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended that certain groups of the population receive the novel H1N1 vaccine when it first becomes available. For up-to-date information on this, please visit the CDC’s Web site.
How to find a flu shot clinic.
This year, because of the H1N1 Swine Flu threat, more people than ever are expected to be vaccinated. Plan ahead and schedule a flu shot reminder by visiting Maxim Health Systems’ Wellness/Flu Website.
Starting September 1st, you can visit www.findaflushot.com and use the Flu Shot Locator. Just type in your zip code, the distance you’re willing to travel, and the dates you’ll need a clinic. In seconds, the site will show you the locations of clinics in your area where you can get vaccinated for seasonal flu to protect you during the 2009-10 season.