H₁N₁

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 H₁N₁?

History: Identified in 1930 after research from 1918 Flu

Pandemic Isolated virus from pigs and humans and labeled

H₁N₁ Originally called the “swine flu”

Determined to be a sub-unit-- “1st cousin” to Seasonal Flu (H₃N₂)

2009 H₁N₁

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, H₁N₁

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 H₁N₁ 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 communityIllness is mild

How is H₁N₁ 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 H₁N₁ are NOT treated Less risk of side effects from antivirals Less chance of antiviral resistance

How is H₁N₁ 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 H₁N₁ ?

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!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXXgRvdq7fg.

How can I fight against H₁N₁ ?

Get the H₁N₁ Vaccine A new 2009 vaccine

Different than “Seasonal Flu” vaccine Provides protection from H₁N₁ Recommended for the following:

Anyone 6 months-24 years old Anyone 25-64 years old who are at the highest risk for

complications Pregnant women Those in contact with young children All healthcare professionals

H₁N₁ 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

H₁N₁ Vaccine

Injectable H₁N₁ 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)

H₁N₁ 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

H₁N₁ 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 H₁N₁ Vaccine was linked to Guillain Barré Syndrome. Since then, there has not been a clear link.

Reactions All vaccines pose a risk of reaction Mild:

Redness, soreness swelling at injection site Headache Low-grade fever

Severe Allergic reaction

The 1976 H₁N₁ 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 Email announcement Flyers

Let’s see what you know about

H₁N₁!

True or False?

The H1N1 Vaccine can give you the

‘Swine” flu….

FALSE

True or False?

The “Stomach Flu” and

influenza(H₁N₁) 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