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H1N1 Situation Update - October 19, 2009

Mon Oct 19 16:33:00 CDT 2009

This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are reporting that H1N1 is widespread in 41 states, including Arkansas and the states surrounding it. Along with this, the numbers of doctor visits for influenza-like illness is the same or greater than what is normally seen at the peak of seasonal flu season. The seasonal flu season has just begun and generally does not peak until February. Further, the number of hospitalizations and deaths from influenza and pneumonia are continuing to grow and exceed what is expected at this time of year. The CDC confirms that all subtyped Influenza A was 2009 H1N1. (See http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/update.htm.)

What this tells us is that despite minimal disruption to campus life this semester, we must remain vigilant. Continue to wash your hands frequently, cough into your sleeve, and stay home if you are sick. Plan now to get both seasonal and H1N1 influenza vaccines. On Thursday, Oct. 29, on the campus of ASU-Jonesboro, the Craighead County Health Department will host a mass immunization clinic.  This will take place at the football stadium complex. This is a drive-through clinic; however, there will be a location at the complex for students who wish to walk in, rather than drive through. The clinic opens at 7 a.m. Both vaccines will be available with the understanding that the priority groups for H1N1 vaccine are children and pregnant women. As vaccine supply allows, other priority groups will be vaccinated. These groups include those 6 months-24 years of age, parents of young children, those who are 24-65 with chronic conditions, and health care workers.

Reasons to avoid getting the seasonal or H1N1 flu vaccine include an allergy to eggs, a previous severe allergic reaction to seasonal flu vaccine, prior development of Guillian-Barre’ Syndrome within 6 weeks of receiving seasonal flu vaccine, being younger than the age of 6 months, or having a current illness that includes running a fever.

There are two types of vaccine: 1., a shot or injection, and 2., a nasal mist. The shot contains killed virus, and the nasal mist contains live virus. The nasal mist is reserved for those who are 2 to 49 years of age. There are very few side effects of either the seasonal vaccine or the H1N1 vaccine. For those who receive the shot, there might be soreness and/or redness at the injection site, aches, and a mild fever. These symptoms may last 1-2 days. It is rare to have a severe reaction. For adults who receive the nasal mist, side effects include a sore throat, runny nose, headache, and cough.  For further information on the H1N1 vaccine, please refer to the CDC web site: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/vaccine_keyfacts.htm.

As always, if you have H1N1, or someone you know on campus has H1N1, please use our on-line reporting system to tell us. Here is the link: ASU-H1N1 Flu Prevention and Reporting. This helps us know who needs assistance as well as helping us track the number of cases that exist within our campus community. There are many links on our H1N1 site that provide you with vital information. Most of the answers to questions you may have can be found at those links. Should you need more information, please contact the Student Health Center at (870) 972-2054, the Department of Student Affairs at (870) 972-3355, or me (dpersell@astate.edu, at 870-972-3074).

Dr. Deborah Persell, the author of this H1N1 update, is an associate professor of Nursing in ASU's College of Nursing and Health Professions, coordinator of the Regional Center for Disaster Preparedness Education, and an expert in Emergency Management and Homeland Security. Contact Dr. Persell (dpersell@astate.edu) at (870) 972-3074.
Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/qa.htm
for questions and answers about 2009's H1N1 flu.