The Ten Most Important Things to Know about the 2009 H1N1

We have been inundated with so much information about the 2009 H1N1 that it's hard to keep it all straight. Here's my top ten list of what's most important to know, much of it coming from the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which has done a spectacular job of providing timely and useful information:

1) What is the 2009 H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)?

Different from the typical seasonal influenza virus, this is a new type of flu virus that appeared in Mexico in April, 2009 and soon spread to the United States and around the world. It contains a combination of genetic material found in influenza viruses that infect humans, birds, and pigs. On June 11th the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a phase 6 pandemic -- its highest alert level. On July 16th the WHO called the pandemic the fastest moving pandemic ever.

2) Why are people concerned about the 2009 H1N1 pandemic?

Over the past century, three major pandemics have swept through the world and caused severe illness and death. The most devastating by far was the influenza pandemic of 1918, which killed 40-100 million people worldwide and 500-750,000 Americans at a time when the U.S. population was only about 100 million. The 1957 "Asian flu" caused about 70,000 deaths when the U.S. population was about 170 million. The last pandemic, in 1968, killed about 34,000 out of 200 million Americans.

3) How does the 2009 H1N1 influenza compare to the typical seasonal flu?

Because the 2009 H1N1 virus is new, most people -- especially children and young adults -- have little or no immunity against it. It is spreading more quickly than the usual seasonal flu but seems to be somewhat milder -- though still capable of causing severe illness and death. The typical seasonal flu affects 15-60 million Americans, leading to more than 200,000 hospitalizations. Annual deaths range from 17,000 to 52,000 annually, averaging about 36,000.
The elderly are especially at high risk of seasonal flu, with over 90% of deaths occurring in patients over 65. In contrast, 2009 H1N1 has preferentially affected young adults and children while older patients appear to have some immunity. Only 18% of deaths from H1N1 have been in patients over 65.

It's estimated that between April and June, more than a million Americans became ill from 2009 H1N1; the CDC stopped reporting individual cases on July 24th, 2009. While the vast majority of cases have been relatively mild, as of September 3rd there were 593 deaths and 9,079 hospitalizations in the United States and territories.
For both the regular flu and the 2009 H1N1, certain groups are at increased risk for complications once infected -- children under five, pregnant women, and patients with underlying medical conditions such as suppressed immune systems, asthma, diabetes, neurological disorders, kidney problems, and heart disease as well as adults over age 65.

4) What Can We Expect This Fall?

Flu virus tends to die down over the summer because it survives better when the weather is cold and dry than warm and humid. That's why during our summer the H1N1 virus spreads to the Southern Hemisphere, where it's winter. But the virus never really went away in America and is now surging much earlier than with the regular seasonal flu.

In August, a panel of experts prepared an extensive report for President Obama about the virus. While warning that the exact impact of H1N1 was impossible to predict, the panel outlines a "plausible scenario" that included 60-120 million infected Americans, as many as 1.8 million hospital admissions, and 30-90,000 deaths. Others, including the CDC, have suggested that these estimates are a "worst case scenario."

Unfortunately, the influenza virus is famously unpredictable and the above "plausible scenario" could be way off in either direction. Although the virus is relatively mild now, it can quickly change on its own through mutation and become more deadly. Another way of changing is if two different viruses happen to infect the same cell at the same time. The two different strains could then trade genetic material. Hypothetically, the 2009 H1N1 that is currently sensitive to the antiviral medication Tamiflu could become resistant to Tamiflu if it combines with last year's seasonal flu strain which was 99 percent resistant to the drug. Fortunately, until now the virus has been stable genetically and it remains sensitive to Tamiflu and Relenza.

5) What are the symptoms of the 2009 H1N1?

The symptoms are very similar to those seen with the regular seasonal flu: fever, headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat, runny nose, and aches and pains. In addition, there may be gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

6) How can you catch H1N1?

Just as with the regular seasonal flu, the virus enters your body through your nose, mouth, or eyes. People infected with H1N1 shed virus starting a day before symptoms begin and lasting up to a week or longer in some patients. An uncovered cough or sneeze in a patient with influenza can send infectious virus-filled droplets into the air. If you touch a surface that's infected with flu virus and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes, the virus can enter your body and cause infection.

7) How do you prevent the seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1?

The most effective way is through vaccination -- assuming you are in a group for which immunization is appropriate. The CDC recommends vaccination with both the regular seasonal flu vaccine, which is already being given, and the 2009 H1N1 vaccine once it becomes available around mid-October. So far, the 2009 H1N1 vaccine has been shown to be safe in adults; the CDC told me this week that studies in children and pregnant women should be done within about 2-3 weeks. Health officials want to vaccinate at least 159 million Americans. Experts predict there will eventually be enough vaccine for all Americans who want it. But only about 45 million doses are expected to be available with the first batch in mid-October.

Those on the priority list to get the 2009 H1N1 vaccine include pregnant women, people in close contact with infants 6 months and younger, health care workers, those ages 6 months to 24 years, and people ages 25 to 64 with serious conditions that put them at high risk for complications from flu.

Experts stress the importance of covering your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner. Remember: you don't get flu from virus that's only on your hands; you get it when you touch your face and give the virus a way to enter your body. Avoid close contact with sick people. And if you are sick with the flu, the current CDC recommendation is to stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medication. In some situations, the use of a face mask may be indicated, especially to try to prevent flu in patients at increased risk for complications; click here for the CDC's recommendations.

8) Who should receive treatment with anti-viral medication such as Tamiflu and Relenza?

Last week the CDC said that most people who come down with the 2009 H1N1 flu should just ride it out and not take antiviral medications such as Tamiflu and Relenza. Dr. Anne Schuchat of the CDC said the majority of adolescents, adults and children "can be cared for with mom's chicken soup at home, rest, and lots of fluids." But she stressed the importance of early treatment with antiviral medications -- within 48 hours if possible -- for certain patients at increased risk of complications, especially those hospitalized, under age five, over age 65, or with chronic medical conditions.

A key change in advice from the CDC involves patients at high risk who may have been exposed to the H1N1 virus. Before last week, doctors were advised to give them medication to prevent infection; now doctors are being given the option of "watchful waiting" -- observing the patient closely and only starting antiviral treatment if evidence of flu develops.

9) What warning signs should prompt immediate medical evaluation and treatment?

In adults, warning signs include: trouble breathing, pain or discomfort in the chest or abdomen, dizziness, confusion, severe or persistent vomiting, and symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough. In children, warning signs include: trouble breathing, bluish or gray skin color, inability to drink enough fluids, severe or persistent vomiting, change in mental status (e.g., not waking up, not interacting, or being unusually irritable), and symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough.

10)Should I get the 2009 H1N1 vaccine if I think I've already had the H1N1 flu?

The CDC told me "yes" -- because the vast majority of patients diagnosed with 2009 H1N1 were not specifically tested for the virus. It may have been some other virus that made you ill. And even patients who had positive "quick tests" in the office for influenza A cannot be absolutely certain they had the 2009 H1N1 virus because the kits are sometimes wrong and because there's a small chance that the strain of influenza A detected was NOT the 2009 H1N1. So the CDC recommends playing it safe and getting the both the regular seasonal vaccine and the 2009 H1N1 vaccine if you are in a group for which immunization is suggested.

For this week's CBS Doc Dot Com, I discuss very practical advice - especially for parents - about H1N1 with Dr. Thomas Farley, who was appointed New York City Health Commissioner in May 2009 and immediately found himself smack in the middle of the 2009 H1N1 outbreak.

Watch CBS Videos Online

Click here to watch the interview.

Comments

[JuniperSunshine]

"Pregnancy Category C: Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine or FLUVIRIN. ******It is also not known***** whether Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine or FLUVIRIN can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine should be given to a pregnant woman *******only if clearly needed.*******"

The FDA admits:

"Safety and effectiveness of Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine have not been established in pregnant women, nursing mothers or children less than 4 years of age. (8.1, 8.3, 8.4)"

http://www.fda.gov/downloads/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/ApprovedProducts/UCM182242.pdf

To repeat, the FDA's package insert for the H1N1 shot admits that there have been NO studies to determine if the vaccine is safe for pregnant women and fetuses *specifically*.

NO STUDIES. Pregnant and nursing moms, and parents of small children, need to be advised that the H1N1 vaccine has NOT BEEN SHOWN TO BE SAFE for these populations.

[joy316]

The thing that bothers me most is that the vaccine manufactures have been given immunity from lawsuits in the event that problems with the vaccine develop. It they are so sure that it works and it is safe, why can't they stand behind it?

[dugmaze]

"Here's my top ten list of what's most important to know, much of it coming from the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention"

Information is only as good as the source.

A short research of the CDC will bring up years of corruption and major influence from the vaccine manufacturers.

[letsmakesense]

Good point. Most Doctors and nurses, when polled, stated that they will not take the vaccine.
CDC works for the Eugenists.

[equianimi]

I wish I could post some graphs on here so people could see why it is our doctors think vaccines work (they were taught they were by vaccine manufacturers in medical school). No the vaccine manufacturers didn't come into school, they paid the for guidelines that were written concerning vaccines. They also control the CDC and the information the CDC releases. Does the CDC lie? Not exactly. They just remove data that shows the whole story and manipulate the picture to show people what they want them to see. www.vaccinationdebate.com has some good graphs on there, and a lot of good links. The guy that wrote the page however doesn't understand how disease works and states some opinions on one page, but the actual data he's gathered is sound. I'd suggest anyone go there and at least take a look at the graphical data.

[mofmars333]

Thanks for the link to help educate others.

I couldn't click on it & get it to work. It said, page not found. I had to copy & paste it in my browser & remove all the copying picked up but the www.vaccinationdebate.com.

You may want to just type it in. It's a link worth looking at for sure.

[mofmars333]

This should work;

http://www.vaccinationdebate.com/

[TexasRed1978]

I'm 31 now, but when I was 9 I got the regular seasonal flu and had to be hospitalized for 3 days. I plan to get the swine flu vaccine when it becomes available because it is supposed to be harder on younger people and people with underlying medical issues. I don't know if I have an underlying medical issue for sure, but I don't think it is normal for an otherwise healthy 9 year old to almost die from the flu. I tihnk the vaccine makes sense for me.

[mofmars333]

Did you ever consider the reason for your condition at nine was maybe due to vaccinations, in the first place compromising the immune system you were born with?

[SonofLiberty1]

Oh for pete sake get a life...

YOU DIDN'T GET POLIO NOW DID YOU?

[mofmars333]

What to do If You Are Forced to Take Swine Flu Shot;

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/09/19/The-Truth-about-the-Flu-Shot.aspx Many

Health Workers Won't Take Swine Flu Vaccine;

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/09/17/Many-Health-Workers-Wont-Take-Swine-Flu-Vaccine.aspx

[RaisingAwareness]

"Ten Swine Flu Lies Told by the Mainstream Media" by Mike Adams of Natural News.

http://www.naturalnews.com/027055_swine_flu_vaccines_swine_flu_vaccine.html

[santamonica39]

Vitamin D
probiotics
Vitamin C
lots of sleep
avoid sugar

the vaccine hasn't been adequately tested and can cause health problems of its own. It's not responsible for the CDC to be pushing the vaccine on people without disclosing these issues. They need to disclose how many people died or were seriously injured the last time there was a mass vaccination effort for swine flu. Vaccine manufacturers are making billions off this virus, and funny how no one can explain how this strange cross between bird and swine flu can have plausibly developed on its own (most likely created in a lab and "accidentally released")

[notconfindtweenhatnboots]

You've obviously never been to a farm and seen the close proximity that humans have with either pigs or birds. It's called nature.

However, I do believe that this swine flu is not as dangerous as it's been portrayed, and that it's been used as a test by the CDC to see if they could actually succeed in quarantining people and preventing the spread of a future, more dangerous, virus. (The answer to that is "no", btw). And if "they" did engineer it, then they obviously engineered a much less-dangerous strain of the same swine flu that hit China a few years ago. Perhaps either exposure to H1N1 or getting the vaccination, will prevent the serious effects of getting the much more fatal Chinese form of this disease (think about it.......)

[DI-1957]

I need to know.
What are the affects of the many additives in these vaccines? Mercury? Squalene? Therimosil?
Are the affects cumulative? Are people dying from the testing or from the shots? Autism linked in any way?
I have grandchildren that are supposed to need 4 shots of an untested, rushed to market, legally to be held harmless, vaccine. I 'm thinking that if 10% of the injected have reactions(autism again), isnt' my grandchild 40% likely to have a reaction?
Vaccinations began with polio? at the same time we had great advances in water/sewer treatment, hygiene in general and I believe the reduction in polio preceded the vaccine. If Flu is always mutating, how can any vaccine protect. If it's mutating will it become more harmful? less?
Personal Hygiene and self quarantine seems to me to be a more desirable course to prevention.
You may be able to tell that I have some paranoia but is it all unfounded?

[Len Batterson]

Alcohol based hand sanitizers provide little if no protection because as soon as you touch the virus again
you are reinfected. Also hand sanitizers with below 60% alcohol are very suspect as a virus killer. There are several in the works that are much more persistent-kill for up to eight hours but are not yet on the market.

[mofmars333]

Vitamin D not flu shots;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15ycdbSsnAU&NR=1

Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/09/16/swine-flu-vaccine-faces-s_n_288439.html

[RaisingAwareness]

Nature could not create the H1N1 virus so in other words it was created in a lab. So who would have the means and desire to create this virus. Ask yourself who benefits and you may eventually get to the source. Google: "1976 Swine Flu" and "Ingredients of Vaccines".

Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-jon-lapook/the-ten-most-important-th_b_290326.html

[realmatters]

The drug companies are making a killing on the flu vaccines. Is it really necessary to get a flu shot every single year of your entire life beginning at birth. That is a hell of a lot of flu shots!!

[goldenshaman]

One of the important things to know about the 1918 pandemic deaths was that tuberculosis was also very widespread at that time. Many people died because their immune systems were already severely compromised.

It's also important to know that most flu vaccines contain mercury, one of the most toxic substances there is.

Finally, the so-called Swine Flu is man made, and you have to question the motives of everyone who is promoting it.

[notconfindtweenhatnboots]

Even if/since the mercury in the vaccinations is toxic, shouldn't older people still get their annual seasonal flu vaccinations? The mercury isn't going to have the chance to build up in older people, like it does in younger ones.

For younger people, you have to weigh the small risk of mercury toxicity with the possible benefits of vaccinations. If you have severe underlying health conditions, getting a flu shot (seasonal, or for H1N1 or both) may still make sense even if the they are slightly toxic due to the mercury..... Perhaps those who are younger and still choose to get the flu shots need to be more vigilant about avoiding all the other potential sources of mercury in our environment (fish, tooth fillings, broken light bulbs, HFCS, etc.).

[RaisingAwareness]

Nature could not create the H1N1 virus so in other words it was created in a lab. So who would have the means and desire to create this virus. Ask yourself who benefits and you may eventually get to the source.

Google: "1976 Swine Flu" and "Ingredients of Vaccines".

[DI-1957]

Are ya looking for a consumption warning on those old peoples mercury level? LOL

[Conk]

No. 7 is a bald assed lie. Vaccinations do not and have not ever worked. Stop poisoning the people!!!

[Delphine]

Your comments are dangerous.

Vaccinations HAVE worked in the past. The answer isn't to run through the streets with your hair on fire.

You'd be more effective if you didn't sound hysterical and actually discussed the particulars (not linked to other hysterical sites) and focused your efforts on fighting for safer vaccinations - because you are wrong that they "never" work and in any event, they aren't going away.

They have worked. That's why we no longer have smallpox, or polio - which killed and maimed thousands in frightening epidemics. To scream that they "never worked" and it's all about poisoning the people - it is not going to make people listen.

[mofmars333]

Wrong, Delphine. You need to research. Doctored evidence makes it seem they work as you'll see if you study the whole matter.

http://www.vaclib.org/

&

http://www.nvic.org/

Can Vaccines Actually Cause More Harm Than Good? By Franklin E. Payne, MD

http://www.haciendapub.com/article40.html

Studies: Under the Influence of Pharma;

http://www.vaccinationdangers.com/

Immunization Ploys-Are Parents Being Manipulated?

"Doctors and health authorities may deceive you regarding vaccines. Here are their... Moms and dads who are still grieving over their dead babies following the shots, are now...

http://thinktwice.com/ploys.htm

"Gardasil Researcher Speaks Out" & be sure to read the comments;
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/08/19/cbsnews_investigates/main5253431.shtml-See comments

In Memoriam;

http://childhealthsafety.wordpress.com/2009/07/06/gardasil-victims/

Many vaccines, including Gardasil, like flu shots are, basically, untested & we have no way to know if they're even effective yet. We know they have caused injury & death. What nightmares lay ahead? Risks don't outweigh benefit! Ask any parent of injured or dead children. They must stop using our children as guinea pigs.

http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2008/07/08/couricandco/entry4240888.shtml#addcomm