September 2009

Pandemic Influenza Alert

Hung Cheung, MD, MPH, FACOEM                         

Sherry Sood, MD, MPH                                                

Dr. Cheung/ OEM Advisor, LLC.

(888) 361-8882

panflu@drcheung-oemadvisor.com

We appreciate the feedback and further questions generated from our last publication on the H1N1 virus. This article will update the current case load from H1N1 as well as outline further practical measures that can be implemented to prevent health, home and business related consequences of H1N1 as flu season approaches. Please feel free to call or email us with any questions or forward the attachment to those who may have questions about H1N1. We will monitor the situation and will have periodic updates for you. They will also be posted on our web site under the “In the News” tab.  We hope this helps as we strive to be your environmental, occupational and public health resource. 

Should I take the vaccine?

According to public health officials: yes, provided that you have no contraindications to influenza vaccinations such as an allergy to egg proteins. Before such a vaccine is made available to the public, it will be tested and confirmed that the potential benefits including complete avoidance of infection or less severe infection clearly outweigh the risks including local irritation, bleeding and pain.  A tentative list of individuals who should be vaccinated has been compiled by the CDC and follows below:

• pregnant women,
• people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age,
• health care and emergency medical services personnel,
• persons between the ages of 6 months through 24 years of age, and
• people from ages 25 through 64 years who are at higher risk for novel H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.

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.

Important Note: The novel H1N1 vaccine is not intended to replace the seasonal flu vaccine. It is intended to be used alongside seasonal flu vaccine to protect people.  Seasonal flu and novel H1N1 vaccines may be administered on the same day.

This is a novel virus that has a tendency to cause more severe illness in healthy, young adults. It is very important that you consider taking this measure as a simple method of preventing transmission to yourself and others.