Flu Questions

H1N1 is the technical name for the swine flu virus. The H1N1 virus is unlike other influenza illnesses; contrasting to other flu viruses, H1N1 targets people under 25 to a greater degree than the 65 and over age group. In fact, the most at-risk are children 5 and under, especially those with chronic diseases. New reports are revealing that the H1N1 vaccine is now being offered at many schools to combat its presence among our children.

The chronic diseases most susceptible to the virus are nervous system disorders: cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or even developmental delays in children. As for the most common cause of death, respiratory failure has been the most prevalent. Signs of respiratory problems are blue lips and skin, dehydration, rapid breathing, excessive sleeping, seizures, and significant irritability such as the lack of desire to be held. Many children, chronically ill or not, may seem to recover from the flu, but then relapse with a high fever. Typically the high fever is caused by bacterial pneumonia.

In recent news, seasonal flu shots offered at schools, hospitals and drug stores, have been proven to help reduce the effects of the H1N1 virus. Patients who suffer from H1N1, but have received seasonal flu shots had a significantly milder course of illness. The seasonal flu vaccine may help existing antibodies in those who have had another flu virus or a vaccination against seasonal flu, therefore dulling the effects of H1N1 symptoms. Despite the seasonal flu vaccines’ assistance in fighting H1N1, doctors and other health professionals still advise that patients receive both the seasonal flu and H1N1 flu vaccine.

The unusual behavior of the H1N1 virus, striking children, teens, young adults and pregnant women, more frequently than senior citizens, is worrisome as the death toll rises. While more than 70% of the children killed from complications of the virus were vulnerable from chronic disease conditions, almost 30% were perfectly healthy. 37 states are reporting widespread flu activity, but government organizations have ordered more than 3.7 million doses of the 6.8 million that have become available. 76 Americans under the age of 18 have died from the H1N1 virus complications so far; seasonal flu is usually responsible for the deaths of 46 to 88 children every year. Health care professionals are worried about the recent increase in deaths because it is only October and the numbers will probably get higher as winter progresses. Fortunately, vaccines wide availability will inoculate the vast majority of high-risk persons who seek a vaccination. The federal government stated that there should be enough to vaccinate half of the American population, but if demand rises there are enough doses available for the entirety of the United States.

By: Barry H Brenner

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