The flu season is here but staying healthy can be child's play as demonstrated by the Nimkee Public Health team
in a short skit they did for the Saginaw Chippewa Academy. Please watch enjoy and learn the simple steps to
avoiding the flu this season!
NOVEL H1N1 FLU: DEALING WITH TODAY, PLANNING AHEAD
July 20, 2009
Novel H1N1 Questions & Answers
According to a report from the Centers
for Disease Control (CDC)*, "on
June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization
(WHO) signaled that a global pandemic of novel
influenza A (H1N1) was underway by raising the
worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6."
* Please note the CDC site and other health organization sites' links
can always be found in the menu at left.
Nimkee Public Health's Healthy Start Coordinator Helen Williams has drawn
together useful information, primarily from the CDC site,
that will hopefully answer many people's questions about
dealing with the disease both today and if it resurges
in the upcoming regular "flu season":
Novel H1N1 Influenza Vaccine
Q. What are the plans for developing novel H1N1 vaccine?
A. Vaccines are the most powerful public health tool for control of influenza,
and the U.S. government is working closely with manufacturers to take steps
in the process to manufacture a novel H1N1 vaccine. Working together with
scientists in the public and private sector, CDC has isolated the new H1N1
virus and modified the virus so that it can be used to make hundreds of
millions of doses of vaccine. Vaccine manufacturers are now using these
materials to begin vaccine production. Making vaccine is a multi-step process
which takes several months to complete. Candidate vaccines will be tested
in clinical trials over the few months.
Q. When is it expected that the novel H1N1 vaccine will be available?
A. The novel H1N1 vaccine is expected to be available in the fall. More
specific dates cannot be provided at this time as vaccine availability
depends on several factors including manufacturing time and time needed
to conduct clinical trials.
Q. Will the seasonal flu vaccine also protect against the novel H1N1 flu?
A. The seasonal flu vaccine is not expected to protect against the novel
H1N1 flu.
Q. Can the seasonal vaccine and the novel H1N1 vaccine be given at the
same time?
A. Clinical trial results will be necessary to confirm that novel H1N1
and seasonal vaccine will be safe and effective if given at the same time.
We expect the seasonal vaccine to be available earlier than the H1N1 vaccine.
The usual seasonal influenza viruses are still expected to cause illness
this fall and winter. Individuals are encouraged to get their seasonal
flu vaccine as soon as it is available.
Q. Who will be recommended as priority groups to receive the novel H1N1
vaccine?
A. Based on what we're currently seeing with respect to the virus and
epidemiologic data, states, communities, and health care providers should
begin planning strategies for how they will vaccinate younger people (children
and younger adults), pregnant women, healthcare personnel, and people who
have underlying health conditions. The Advisory Committee on Immunization
Practices (ACIP) and other federal advisory bodies will continue to monitor
the virus and review epidemiologic data over the summer. We'll be looking
to the ACIP and other stakeholders, as well as the public, as we move forward
in our planning. It is possible that vaccine priority groups will differ
from earlier guidance as more data becomes available however it's very
important for planning to continue based on information currently available.
Q. Where will the vaccine be available?
A. Every state is developing a vaccine delivery plan. Vaccine will be
available in a combination of settings such as vaccination clinics organized
by local health departments, healthcare provider offices, schools, and
other private settings, such as pharmacies and workplaces.
Q. Are there other ways to prevent the spread of illness?
A. Take everyday actions to stay healthy:
-
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw
the tissue in the trash after you use it.
-
Wash
your hands often with soap and water, especially
after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands
cleaners are also effective.
-
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Germs spread that way.
- Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that
you stay home from work or school and limit contact
with others to keep from infecting them.
Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds
and other social distancing measures. These measures will continue to be
important after a novel H1N1 vaccine is available because they can prevent
the spread of other viruses that cause respiratory infections.
Q. What about the use of antiviral to treat novel H1N1 infection?
A. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaled
powder) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing
in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder
and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications.
This fall, antiviral may be prioritized for persons with severe illness
or those at higher risk for flu complications.
Q. Will vaccination against the new H1N1 influenza be mandatory?
A. CDC and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which
provides advice and guidance on the control of vaccine-preventable
diseases, will make recommendations for who should receive
H1N1 vaccine and state and local health departments and
institutions will determine how to implement these recommendations.
If the vaccine is recommended for use, those who choose
vaccination for themselves or their children will be
screened for contraindications to vaccination (such as
an allergy to eggs) and will receive information sheets
describing the vaccine's risks and benefits, possible
adverse events associated with vaccination, and how to
report these events.
Future Updates:
Nimkee Wellness Center and its Public Health department have pledged to
provide perioding updates on this page. Feel free to
bookmark this page and revisit from time to time to see
what new information is available!
Tribal members and Tribal employees are welcome to contact Helen
Williams, RN, during regular business hours.
Speaking directly to those members and employees, Nurse Williams said,
"If you have other questions or concerns feel free to
call [me] at 775-4621 and I would be happy
to help."