Swine flu: Answers to your H1N1 questions

As more and more people are getting infected by the dreaded swine flu, questions linger about the dangers of the virus and the effectiveness of inoculations. Here are edited queries from Tribune readers, with answers:

Q: What is the comparison between the fatality rates for H1N1 flu and seasonal flu, and is H1N1 considered more of a danger than seasonal flu?

A: Since the pandemic began in April, more than 1,000 deaths from H1N1 have occurred, including about 100 children, and more than 20,000 hospitalizations in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC estimates that about 36,000 people die of seasonal flu-related causes annually, although the number fluctuates.

It is good news, according to Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, that the swine flu continues to be "very mild" for most people. "But there is no question we are seeing very severe cases hit in populations normally not susceptible to the flu, and without underlying health conditions in some cases," she said this week. "Young people and pregnant women have been particular targets of that."

Q: Is it true that people who get the H1N1 mist are getting a live virus which they can shed, infecting people with depressed immune systems?

A: The nasal spray is made from live, weakened virus. There is a bit of "shedding" -- where some of the vaccine escapes. But the amount is so small, there is no need to worry about spreading it in the general population, according to Dr. Julie Morita, medical director of the Chicago Department of Public Health's immunization program.

The only concern, she said, is among health care professionals who care for people whose immune system is compromised. "A doctor in a regular setting can get the nasal spray and not worry about shedding, but those taking care of people with a weakened system should not get the vaccine or go to work immediately after taking it," she said.

Clinical studies show the risk of getting infected after contact with attenuated, or weakened, vaccine virus is minuscule -- between 0.6 and 2.4 percent.

Q: My children, ages 2 and 5, got the first round of H1N1 shots, but the doctor said she wasn't sure she will have the second dose a month later. Are they protected with just one shot?

A: Health officials recommend that children under the age of 10 receive two doses of vaccine, separated by four weeks. Health officials said every attempt should be made to obtain the second dose in order to achieve full protection. More vaccine is on its way so people should check regularly with their doctor, school and local health departments.

Q: Our mom is really sick and we aren't sure if it's swine flu. If we wear masks and sort of keep a distance from her, will we be OK?

A: A bit more than that is needed to avoid the virus, according to the CDC. If possible, your mom should be in a private room away from common areas of the house and use a separate bathroom. If she has to be around others, she should wear a mask. Everyone should wash hands regularly. If you are under 24, you might consider getting an H1N1 vaccine.

Q: I am pregnant with triplets, due to give birth in 10 days. I brought my 2-year-old son, my husband and my mom (our caretaker) to Truman College's clinic on Saturday. We waited in line for 5 1/2 hours for the vaccine. ... What kind of screening are they doing for these shots, just first come, first served?

A: With a limited supply of vaccine at each clinic, Chicago Health Department officials are trying to limit it to high-priority groups. But mostly they are relying on people being honest when asked in line if they fall into one of those groups.

"We're trusting people to do the right thing," said Julie Morita, director of the department's immunization program.

According to Tim Hadac, a department spokesman, officials are confident that nearly everyone who got vaccines at the first clinics was in a high risk group, although a "small percentage" might have slipped through. Some people had asthma, diabetes, immune disorders and other chronic illnesses that would not always be obvious to other people in line, he said.

Overall, those eligible for early vaccines are health care workers; pregnant women; children and young adults ages 6 months to 24 years; people who live with or care for infants younger than 6 months; and people ages 25 to 64 with chronic health conditions. The public clinics are being offered Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at six City Colleges campuses as long as there is demand and supply.

Q: We are going to visit my in-laws for Thanksgiving and we were told we can't see my father-in-law unless we have H1N1 shots. I have chronic sinusitis plus a diminished immune system, so how likely am I to find the vaccine before Thanksgiving? Is there a list of locations that have the vaccine?

A: You should call your doctor or health care provider to see if it is available, and where. Once the vaccine is readily available, a list of health departments and pharmacies will be made available on the Illinois Department of Public Health Web site, www.idph.state.il.us.

The vaccine continues to be in short supply across the country because of production delays. Health officials have said they expect a better supply by mid-November and that by early December, the vaccine should be widely available. Most vaccine is now going to local health departments and hospitals.

Q: The city of Chicago has the vaccine. DuPage County has it. Cook County Department of Health -- nada. Why is Cook County so behind?

A: Cook County Health Department officials said they got their initial 20,000 doses of vaccine late last week. Six thousand doses were allocated to hospitals in suburban Cook County and about 5,000 doses to public schools in Palatine, the first district designated for student vaccinations. Other doses have been reserved for health care workers at the county Health Department. No vaccine is currently available for public clinics, a county spokesman said. Officials were "cautiously optimistic" the department will get more vaccine early next week that will allow for public clinics to begin soon in suburban Cook County.

Q: Are there precautions a family should take regarding trick-or-treat candy this Halloween?

A: State and local health officials recommend giving out wrapped candy. Rather than allowing children to reach into a bowl, hand it to them. Children should wash their hands, use sanitizer and wash any fruit or other food.


P.S. Boost your natural immunity by eating lots of Vitamin C and Vitamin D rich foods and fruits.




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