H ₁N₁ What you Need to Know Q & A Session Ozark’s Technical Community College Michelle Howard, RN, BSN

Don’t Let the swine flu myths get out of hand!

What is H ₁N₁? History: Identified in 1930 after research from 1918 Flu Pandemic Isolated virus from pigs and humans and labeled H ₁N₁ Originally called the “swine flu” Determined to be a sub-unit-- “1 st cousin” to Seasonal Flu (H ₃N₂)

2009 H ₁N₁ Now termed “Novel Flu” Spreading worldwide Different than seasonal flu No antibodies/immunity Very unpredictable Suspected that it could be worse than years past CDC preparing for massive flu outbreak Seasonal flu (H3N2) and novel flu (H1N1)

How Does it Spread? Still under investigation as new cases present Available data suggests the following: Person-to-person contact via: Droplet -“airborne” transmission Coughing, sneezing Contaminated surfaces Virus lands on surface and then transported to eyes or mouth

When do Symptoms Begin? Incubation period is 1-7 days From exposure to onset of symptoms is typically 1-4 days The Problem: Infected person can spread 1 day before and 7 days after getting sick

What are the Symptoms? Range May be Mild to Severe Fever Some cases may NOT have fever Cough Sore throat Runny/stuffy nose Body aches Headache Chills Fatigue Vomiting and/or diarrhea

Who is at Risk? All ages are at risk However like the 1918 Flu Pandemic, H ₁N₁ seems to affect the following: More younger populations Highest risk 6 months- 24 years old Those 65 years and older At least risk Cases of proven immunity

What are the Complications? Complications include: Exacerbation of any underlying chronic conditions Respiratory (asthma, bronchioloitis, pneumonia & croup) Cardiac (myocarditis & pericarditis) Musculoskeletal (myositis & rhabdomyolysis) Neurological (encephalopathy, febrile seizures, & status epilepticus) Sepsis

Who is at highest risk for complications? Although more of the younger population may get the illness, there are several groups identified as high risk for severe complications: Children less than 5 years of age Especially those less than 2 years old Elderly older than 65 years of age Persons with chronic conditions Pregnant women Immunosuppressed individuals

How is H ₁N₁ Tested? If your PCP suspects novel influenza Nasal swab or aspirate for Influenza A Some clinicians may defer testing CDC states “Not all people with suspected novel flu need to have confirmed diagnosis.” Positive novel flu in community Illness is mild

How is H ₁N₁ Treated? Treatment is based on severity of symptoms Per CDC guidelines: Not all positive cases are treated High-risk groups or serious ill Most cases of H ₁ N ₁ are NOT treated Less risk of side effects from antivirals Less chance of antiviral resistance

How is H ₁N₁ Treated? Antivirals are available Help lessen symptoms Prevent serious complications Include the following: Tamiflu (oseltamivir) Relenza (zanamivir) Antibiotics PCP suspects you have a bacterial infection

What about Prevention? CDC recommends: Personal responsibility Vaccination

How can I fight against H ₁N₁ ? Take Action and Be Responsible! Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze Use a tissue or your sleeve Wash Your hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth Avoid close contact with sick people Stay home if you are ill CDC recommends you stay home for 24 hours after you are fever free with no medications

Use Your Sleeve When you Sneeze! q7fg. q7fg

How can I fight against H ₁N₁ ? Get the H ₁ N ₁ Vaccine A new 2009 vaccine Different than “Seasonal Flu” vaccine Provides protection from H ₁N₁ Recommended for the following: Anyone 6 months-24 years old Anyone years old who are at the highest risk for complications Pregnant women Those in contact with young children All healthcare professionals

H ₁N₁ Vaccine This target group makes up 159 million people in U.S. Will NOT protect against “seasonal flu” Will need additional vaccine Manufactured the same as “seasonal flu” vaccine As safe and effective Inactivated vaccine or intranasal dose Injection form recommended for adults > 10 years

H ₁N₁ Vaccine Injectable H ₁ N ₁ may be given at the same time as other vaccines including seasonal flu Simultaneous dosing of intranasal flu is NOT recommended with seasonal flu administration Dosing: One dose if 10 years and older Two doses for 6 month- 9 years(1 month apart)

H ₁N₁ Vaccine Contraindicated for: Anyone who has an allergy to eggs Anyone with severe allergic reactions to the flu or any vaccine in the past Anyone with a fever Notify the person giving the vaccine if: You have ever had Guillain Barré Syndrome Have had a fever in last 24 hours

H ₁N₁ Vaccine Reactions All vaccines pose a risk of reaction Mild: Redness, soreness swelling at injection site Headache Low-grade fever Severe Allergic reaction The 1976 H ₁N₁ Vaccine was linked to Guillain Barré Syndrome. Since then, there has not been a clear link.

What is OTC doing to help? OTC is on the frontlines for our community Concerned for the safety of our students Campus-wide vaccination campaign initiated For students Faculty, staff and their immediate family

What is OTC doing to help? Vaccination Day is coming Stay tuned: OTC website Blackboard announcement Flyers

Let’s see what you know about H ₁ N ₁ !

True or False? The H1N1 Vaccine can give you the ‘Swine” flu….

FALSE

True or False? The “Stomach Flu” and influenza(H ₁ N ₁ ) are the same virus….

FALSE

True or False? The influenza virus is constantly changing, which requires a new vaccine to be created every year…..

TRUE

True or False? Handwashing is the BEST method for decreasing the transmission of the swine flu…

TRUE

True or False? If I get a “seasonal flu” vaccine, I will not need to get the H1N1 vaccine….

FALSE