H1N1 (Swine Flu) Alert: Help Keep You (And Me) Well!

The H1N1 (Swine flu) virus continues to occupy headlines and news casts. Some have stated that they are not overly concerned about this threat. Every one of my specialists has expressed dire concern over the potential tragedy that might emerge from this year’s flu season. I write this post to inform my readers and to help those around me to protect me (and them) from this looming threat.

I will not receive the seasonal flu vaccine or the H1N1 (swine) flu vaccine. To take these vaccines with an immune system as poorly functioning as mine, will not benefit me. It would be like tossing the vaccines in the trash can. It is horrifyingly frightening to face the upcoming flu season with a compromised immune system AND the inability to be protected by the vaccines. For those of us at high risk during this flu season, there is vital information we all must read and act upon.

The recommendations that I am receiving and reading are to receive the standard seasonal flu vaccine earlier this year than in the past. My doctors are recommending that my family (and all others where the seasonal flu vaccine is recommended) receive the seasonal flu vaccine before late September. Pneumonia vaccines will be important, given that the H1N1 flu virus often kills with a bacterial pneumonia.

The NEW H1N1 (swine) flu vaccine will be released shortly. From what I have researched, the first round to be distributed of H1N1 vaccines will be the nasal spray vaccine (Flu Mist) – WHICH IS A LIVE VACCINE. Why is this important? People who are immune compromised or others at risk CANNOT, SHOULD NOT, BETTER NOT take this live, nasal spray vaccine. I could potentially contract the H1N1 virus by standing by someone who has just taken this LIVE vaccine. That is frightening to me. I can alert family and friends NOT to take the LIVE vaccine. However, I will have no way of knowing if the nurse caring for me or the person in line at the grocery store with me has received the LIVE vaccine. My research has revealed that this inhalable version will be available the first week of October. It is expected that the other three injectable versions will be available in late October. News sources had been reporting that those receiving the H1N1 vaccine would require two injections, however, it is now being touted that ONE H1N1 injection and ONE seasonal flu vaccine is the best recommendation.

When I originally planned to write this blog, I was going to beg, plead, and encourage those around me to receive both injections. In good consciousness, I do not feel that I can ask everyone to take the H1N1 vaccine since it has had limited research time dedicated to this product. That makes me a bit nervous. But then again, the H1N1 virus makes me extremely nervous. This will have to be a personal decision that each person makes. Educate yourselves. Review the data for the demographics in which you fall (age, health concerns, profession, etc.) and weigh the benefits against potential risks.

All of my doctors recommend that everyone who spends time with me or in our home receive the immunizations. This is referred to as “herd immunity”. Immunize the “herd” (sorry family and friends for this reference to you as the “herd”) to protect me. The logic is if all of my family and friends stay healthy, I will have a higher potential to remain well. Again, this is going to have to be a very personal decision for each of my loved ones. However, do not be offended, when I may not be able to be around crowds or groups of loved ones. The most frightening part of H1N1 to me is the fact that for 24 hours prior to ANY symptom, you will be contagious. A well-meaning family member or friend, feeling perfectly well, could visit me and infect me and note develop the first H1M1 symptom until it is too late.

We are beginning to formulate a plan of protection for me. Many of these tips will help to protect each of you and those you most love from contracting this threatening virus:

1. Be aware of the flu outbreak levels in your state. Each Friday, I check the CDC’s flu map that shows the level of outbreaks in each state. Once these levels reach REGIONAL or WIDESPREAD, I retreat to staying at home. To check that website, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/updates/us/ .This is updated each week. Normally these REGIONAL and WIDESPREAD outbreaks occur in December and last through March – times I spend most of my days at home. This year, over twenty states are already in the WIDESPREAD level of outbreaks. It is predicted that this outbreak of H1N1 could be peaking by mid-October. Be prepared and be prepared early.

2. Learn to live like I do everyday. Purell your hands after you touch anything in public including others' hands, grocery carts, menus, salt and pepper shakers, buffet utensils, door knobs, elevator buttons. Use your shirt tail or jacket to push buttons, open doors, or when touching other “public” areas. It is much easier to PREVENT the H1N1 virus rather than to TREAT it.

3. Wash your hands frequently. Cough and sneeze into your elbow – not into your hands where you will spread the germs.

4. Know the H1N1 symptoms like the back of your hand. This year it is too risky to ignore a symptom as a “cold” or “allergies” or other excuses that you have used in the past. The key to surviving the H1N1 virus is early recognition of the symptoms. Tamiflu, an antiviral medication, has been successful in almost all cases of H1N1. HOWEVER, IT MUST BE TAKEN AT THE FIRST SIGNS OF THE FLU. This is a prescription medication. We all may be making a few extra trips to the doctor this year for a flu test to determine if we actually have H1N1 and to obtain Tamiflu. DON’T DELAY. There is a second antiviral with some effect against H1N1 – Relenza. If you require an antiviral, discuss your options with your physician. I cannot take Relenza because of having asthma and it is an inhaled drug.

5. The symptoms we cannot ignore according to the CDC are:

“The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.”

6. Important information about H1N1 is available at: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

7. If you or your family is exposed to the H1N1 it is vital that you tell me immediately and do not come around me. Be alert, vigilant and diligent to listen for word that anyone around you has been exposed to H1N1 or who has developed the virus.

8. If you develop any of the symptoms on the above list, STAY HOME. I am not the only immune compromised person in the community. Going to church, work, or other public spaces with these symptoms is unfair to those around you.

9. If you are young, strong, or healthy, don’t be overly confident that this virus will not be a threat to you. Data from the deadly 1918 flu pandemic’s statistics reveal that many 20-30 year olds (young and healthy) were killed by the flu.

I am not a physician. Each person needs to formulate an anti-flu plan this year for his or her family. Discuss this information with your physicians. I do ask each of you who might come into contact with me, to take this threat very seriously and do all that you can to protect me. My body cannot defend me. Immunizations cannot defend me. I must rely upon God’s protection and the diligence of my family and friends to keep me protected and flu-free this year.