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.

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.