The U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA) gave the go ahead for the 2009-2010 vaccine but it won’t protect against the H1N1 (AKA Swine) flu. This vaccine will be available in early September and will contain 3 strains of virus including an H1N1-like virus. This will not protect from the H1N1 Swine flu however.
Swine Flu Vaccine in mid-October
The vaccine for the H1N1 (Swine) flu won’t be ready until mid-October at the earliest. There has been a push to get this vaccine ready as soon as possible and hopefully included with the other strains, but according to the labs producing the vaccine, the final results of testing for the safety and efficacy of the vaccine won’t be available until September.
Kathleen Sebilius, Health and Human Services Secretary gave the go ahead for the production of the seasonal vaccine even though it won’t contain any protection against the H1N1 virus. She is still considering what course will be suggested or mandated for the H1N1 vaccine such as possible mandatory immunization of school children in an effort to control the pandemic.
Seasonal Flu Remains a Threat
According to Dr. Aaron Glatt, a spokesman for the Infectious Diseases Society of America, it is still very important for Americans to take the regular seasonal flu vaccine. Seasonal flu is dangerous to the young and to those who have chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart and lung diseases. The seasonal flu won’t take a vacation just because the H1N1 flu has emerged.
According to Dr. William Schaffer, chairman of the School of Medicine at Vanderbilt University, patients who have been vaccinated with the seasonal flu vaccine will be less likely to take up hospital beds and the time and attention of health professionals who may be quite challenged by the Swine flu this fall.
Quicker Swine Flu Diagnosis
Further, diagnosing Swine flu for those who have already been vaccinated against seasonal flu and yet exhibit flu symptoms will be an easier task. Practitioners will be more likely to test quickly for the H1N1 virus if the patient has already been vaccinated against the seasonal flu.
Steps to Prevent Flu
In addition to taking vaccines as they come available, it is important to remember to be vigilant in preventing the spread of the H1N1 virus as well as any germs. Hygiene such as good handwashing is a primary key. Coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the crook of the arm instead of straight into the air will also help. Avoiding crowds and staying home if flu symptoms appear is also essential. Keep surfaces clean that are touched frequently such as countertops, doorknobs, railings, etc.
Plan ahead and keep the pantry stocked with broth, clear soups, crackers, Jello, juices and other fluids and bland foods. Rotate them out to ensure that expiration dates remain current.
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