Monday, April 5, 2010
H1N1 Update 4/5/2010
On Friday, the Georgia Department of Education sent out a request to Georgia's school superintendents asking them to remind parents that H1N1 has not gone away. Many health officials believe, as I stated in the last update, that a third wave may be starting in Georgia. The bottom line is that we do not need to let our guard down. There are still H1N1 vaccinations available and everyone is encouraged to "roll-up your sleeve" and do your part to prevent the spread of this disease. This includes getting a booster shot for children who require two shots.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
H1N1 - Not The Time To Relax
It seems that much of the publicity and public concern over H1N1 has settled down now that spring is in the air. This is probably not a good thing. Remember that H1N1 first hit the US and Georgia in April of last year and the first round lasted through the end of the school year. We experienced round two in September. A third round may be on the way for this spring.
According to Georgia Public Health Officials all confirmed cases of the flu this year have been H1N1. In the most recent situation update from the CDC the number of influenza-like illnesses in the US has remained stable but in region 4, which includes Georgia, the number of influenza-like illnesses has been elevated. It is possible that Georgia may be experiencing a third wave of the flu.
It is very important to continue the prevention activities that have been promoted since the beginning of this event: Frequent and thorough hand washing, stay home when sick and get the immunization. There are plenty of immunizations still available and it is not too late to take it. I have also found a resource on the CDC website. It is a self-evaluation to help one determine whether or not to seek medical attention for their illness. I will be posting a link to this resource upon completion of this blog post.
According to Georgia Public Health Officials all confirmed cases of the flu this year have been H1N1. In the most recent situation update from the CDC the number of influenza-like illnesses in the US has remained stable but in region 4, which includes Georgia, the number of influenza-like illnesses has been elevated. It is possible that Georgia may be experiencing a third wave of the flu.
It is very important to continue the prevention activities that have been promoted since the beginning of this event: Frequent and thorough hand washing, stay home when sick and get the immunization. There are plenty of immunizations still available and it is not too late to take it. I have also found a resource on the CDC website. It is a self-evaluation to help one determine whether or not to seek medical attention for their illness. I will be posting a link to this resource upon completion of this blog post.
Friday, November 6, 2009
H1N1 Pandemic Influenza Update 11/6/09
This afternoon I had the opportunity to listen in on a web conference sponsored by the CDC. The speaker was Dr. Anne Shuchat, Director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.
The flu is widespread in 48 states including Georgia.Virtually all cases of the flu at this time are H1N1 cases. The incidence of Influenza Like Illnesses is higher than normal this time of year across the country. H1N1 is affecting mostly younger people and is most severe in this population. There have been 129 pediatric deaths from Influenza Like Illnesses in the US so far and 2/3 of children who have died had underlying conditions including severe neurological problems or asthma. Antivirals are still very effective against H1N1.
Dr. Shuchat indicated that the pace of vaccine supply was picking up and that there was currently 2 times the supply of H1N1 vaccinations available as there was 2 weeks ago. However, there is still not enough supply to meet the demand. Currently, the focus is to distribute the vaccines to high risk populations. High risk groups include: pregnant women, caretakers of infants less than 6 months of age, health care workers, children and adults with health conditions such as asthma and diabetes, and children under the age of 25.
Dr. Shuchat reminded the audience of practical steps that anyone can take to prevent the spread of the flu. Stay home when sick. Wash your hands. Cover your cough. Stay informed. It does not appear that the nation as a whole has experienced a peak in the current wave of flu activity.
It appears that the incidence of Influenza Like Illnesses in Barrow County has leveled off and may be getting less within the last week. I have posted a new link to the Links section of this blog. This link H1N1 Vaccination Provider Locator will help you to find a provider of the H1N1 vaccination in your area. You will still need to call ahead to make sure that the provider currently has the vaccine in stock. The Georgia Department of Community Health has also launched a H1N1 hotline with recorded information on H1N1 topics of interest to Georgians. The number is 1-888-H1N1-INFO.
The flu is widespread in 48 states including Georgia.Virtually all cases of the flu at this time are H1N1 cases. The incidence of Influenza Like Illnesses is higher than normal this time of year across the country. H1N1 is affecting mostly younger people and is most severe in this population. There have been 129 pediatric deaths from Influenza Like Illnesses in the US so far and 2/3 of children who have died had underlying conditions including severe neurological problems or asthma. Antivirals are still very effective against H1N1.
Dr. Shuchat indicated that the pace of vaccine supply was picking up and that there was currently 2 times the supply of H1N1 vaccinations available as there was 2 weeks ago. However, there is still not enough supply to meet the demand. Currently, the focus is to distribute the vaccines to high risk populations. High risk groups include: pregnant women, caretakers of infants less than 6 months of age, health care workers, children and adults with health conditions such as asthma and diabetes, and children under the age of 25.
Dr. Shuchat reminded the audience of practical steps that anyone can take to prevent the spread of the flu. Stay home when sick. Wash your hands. Cover your cough. Stay informed. It does not appear that the nation as a whole has experienced a peak in the current wave of flu activity.
It appears that the incidence of Influenza Like Illnesses in Barrow County has leveled off and may be getting less within the last week. I have posted a new link to the Links section of this blog. This link H1N1 Vaccination Provider Locator will help you to find a provider of the H1N1 vaccination in your area. You will still need to call ahead to make sure that the provider currently has the vaccine in stock. The Georgia Department of Community Health has also launched a H1N1 hotline with recorded information on H1N1 topics of interest to Georgians. The number is 1-888-H1N1-INFO.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
H1N1 Update 11/4/09
There is not much new to report in the last several days regarding H1N1. I have noticed it is more in the news than it has been for the last several weeks. The H1N1 vaccine has begun to be available in Barrow County in limited amounts. I was able to get my vaccination on Tuesday. Hopefully additional doses will be available soon.
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