H1N1 Influenza Virus Continues to Impact the District
Courtesy of the DC Department of Health
Influenza activity is widespread in 48 states and the District of Columbia and influenza-like illness, flu-related hospitalizations, and flu-related deaths are all higher than expected for this time of year. Almost all of the influenza viruses identified so far are 2009 H1N1 influenza A viruses.
For the month of September until November 13, there have been over 200 confirmed influenza cases in the District. Most confirmed cases have been able to recover at home and more than cases required hospitalization.
Anyone with asthma is at higher risk for flu-related complications, such as pneumonia. Persons with asthma have been shown to be at increased risk for severe complications and death from influenza infection in previous influenza pandemics.
If you have asthma, you should follow an updated, written Asthma Action Plan, developed with your doctor. Follow this plan for daily treatment and for controlling your asthma symptoms. If your child has asthma, make sure that his or her updated, written Asthma Action Plan is on file at school or at the daycare center. Be sure that the plan and medication(s) are easy to get to when needed.
Despite the initial small supply of vaccine, 2009 H1N1 vaccination continues to expand. The District of Columbia Department of Health (DOH) has successfully vaccinated over 17,000 pregnant women, youth, adults with underlying health conditions such as asthma, and caregivers of children under 6 months at recent District-wide H1N1 vaccination clinics. DOH will continue to vaccinate priority groups
Preventing and managing H1N1 Flu can be as easy as 1, 2, 3.
1. Take everyday preventive actions
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or sneeze into your sleeve. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based gel hand cleaners are also good to use.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people. (If you have asthma and you live or have close contact with someone who has H1N1 flu, talk to your doctor about medicines to prevent flu.)
2. Take time to get vaccinated.
- It is important for persons with asthma to receive the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine as well as a seasonal influenza vaccine.
- Persons with asthma should not use the inhaled “FluMist®” vaccine because of the increased risk of wheezing post-vaccination.
3. Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor recommends them.
- Treat any fever right away.
- Drink plenty of fluids to replace those you lose when you are sick.
- Your doctor will decide if you need the antiviral drug Tamiflu® (generic name oseltamivir). Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines that fight against the flu by keeping the germs from growing in your body. These medicines can make you feel better faster and make your symptoms milder. Relenza® (generic name zanamivir) is not recommended for treatment in persons with asthma.
- These medicines work best when started soon after symptoms begin (within 2 days), but they may also be given to very sick or high-risk people (like persons with asthma) even after 48 hours. Antiviral treatment is taken for 5 days.
- Tamiflu® is also used to prevent H1N1 flu and is taken for 10 days.
For more information on managing H1N1 Flu and Vaccination Clinic schedules in the District, the following website will be helpful.
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/asthma.htm
http://doh.dc.gov/doh/site/default.asp
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