It seems like a while since I have discussed one of the favorite topics this fall, swine flu (novel H1N1). Now that there is less swine flu in the U.S., actually less than 14 states are reporting widespread flu (the latest update will be released today), there is less hysteria and at the same time less concern for prevention.
[caption id="attachment_5848" align="alignleft" width="135" caption="Flu Vaccine"]
[/caption]
Influenza, and particularly swine flu, is always difficult to predict when and where it will occur, but one thing that seems certain, there will be more flu in the U.S. in the New Year, as flu typically lasts in some parts of the country until May. Many infectious disease experts worry that swine flu (novel H1N1) will peak again as it has in some parts of the southern hemisphere. If this turns out to be the case, there are many more people who will become ill. If the current statistics are correct, and 1 out of 6 Americans has already had swine flu, that still leaves MILLIONS more who are at risk of becoming ill. Unfortunately, with illness we will also see deaths, and the swine flu seems to be infecting a younger population and therefore there are more pediatric deaths being reported.
All of this is important, as the only way to try and prevent disease is through vaccination. When novel H1N1 vaccine was first shipped to my pediatric office in October, we could not keep up with the phone calls or provide enough vaccine for those that wanted it. Remember it is recommended for all children from 6 months – 24 years of age. That is really my entire practice. It is also recommended for parents and caregivers who have infants under 6 months of age, as these young babies cannot be vaccinated against flu. But, what I have seen happening, is that now that novel H1N1 is not rampant in our area, the desire for vaccine is also waning. Human nature is quite interesting, we want what we cannot have, and once the “Frenzy” passes, the desire also wanes. I know this right now from my own Christmas shopping, as I am desperate to find a “marshmallow gun”. I am sure that once the “game” of locating one is over, or Christmas arrives, I too will not feel like I “need” a marshmallow gun. There will be something else to replace the gun. This should not be the case with flu vaccines.
Do not be complacent and forget to get your swine flu vaccine (or your seasonal flu for that matter). The swine flu vaccine is safe, and post marketing surveillance continues and has not shown any problems with the vaccine in terms of safety. The latest recall was not due to safety, but rather to concern that the lots of vaccine that were recalled may provide less immunity than expected. In other words, it wont’ hurt you, but it may not provide as much protection as a good vaccine should. Those lots have already been pulled and those infants will be getting a second dose of swine flu vaccine any way, and that should boost their antibody level.
Give your children a Christmas present and get their flu vaccines. We may not know which flu is coming, but just like Santa comes each year, we know that flu will too. Who wants to be home sick for a week, hospitalized, or even worse, have someone in your own family become a statistic. Just because you have been lucky enough never to have had the flu before, does not mean that you are immune. Don’t test it, get the vaccine and remember children under 10 years need to get a second dose of vaccine to provide optimum immunity and protection.
That's your daily dose. Heave a wonderful weekend!
