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Answers To H1N1 Questions from Yahoo Group:

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/annelieseRN/
1. C: Novel H1N1 infection has been reported to cause a wide range of flu-like
symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills
and fatigue. In addition, many people also have reported nausea, vomiting
and/or diarrhea. Severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness
associated with this virus.

2. B: A 2009 H1N1 "flu shot" — an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus)

that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. The indications for who can get
the 2009 H1N1 flu shot are the same as for seasonal flu shots. The flu shot is
approved for use in people 6 months of age and older, including healthy people,
people with chronic medical conditions and pregnant women. The same
manufacturers who produce seasonal flu shots are producing 2009 H1N1 flu
shots for use in the United States this season. The 2009 H1N1 flu shot is being
made in the same way that the seasonal flu shot is made. The 2009 H1N1 nasal
spray flu vaccine — a vaccine made with live, weakened viruses that do not
cause the flu (sometimes called LAIV for "live attenuated influenza vaccine").
The indications for who can get the 2009 H1N1 nasal spray vaccine are the
same as for seasonal nasal spray vaccine. LAIV is approved for use in healthy*
people 2 years to 49 years of age who are not pregnant. The nasal spray vaccine
for use in the United States is being made by MedImmune, the same company
that makes the seasonal nasal spray vaccine called “FluMist®.” The 2009 H1N1
nasal spray vaccine is being made in the same way as the seasonal nasal spray
vaccine. About 2 weeks after vaccination, antibodies that provide protection
against 2009 H1N1 influenza virus infection will develop in the body. The 2009
H1N1 vaccine will not protect against seasonal influenza viruses.

3. C: The 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine is expected to have a similar safety

profile as seasonal flu vaccines, which have a very good safety track record.
Over the years, hundreds of millions of Americans have received seasonal flu
vaccines. The most common side effects following flu vaccinations are mild,
such as soreness, redness, tenderness or swelling where the shot was given.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) will be closely monitoring for any signs that the vaccine is
causing unexpected adverse events and we will work with state and local health
officials to investigate any unusual events.

4. D: Illness with the new H1N1 virus has ranged from mild to severe. While
most people who have been sick have recovered without needing medical
treatment, hospitalizations and deaths from infection with this virus have
occurred.
In seasonal flu, certain people are at “high risk” of serious complications. This
includes people 65 years and older, children younger than five years old,
pregnant women, and people of any age with certain chronic medical
conditions. About 70 percent of people who have been hospitalized with this
novel H1N1 virus have had one or more medical conditions previously
recognized as placing people at “high risk” of serious seasonal flu-related
complications. This includes pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease, asthma and
kidney disease.

One thing that appears to be different from seasonal influenza is that adults
older than 64 years do not yet appear to be at increased risk of novel H1N1-
related complications thus far. CDC laboratory studies have shown that no
children and very few adults younger than 60 years old have existing antibody
to novel H1N1 Flu virus; however, about one-third of adults older than 60 may
have antibodies against this virus. It is unknown how much, if any, protection
may be afforded against novel H1N1 Flu by any existing antibody.

5. C: This virus was originally referred to as “swine flu” because laboratory

testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to
influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs (swine) in North America. But
further study has shown that this new virus is very different from what
normally circulates in North American pigs. It has two genes from flu viruses
that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia and bird (avian) genes and
human genes. Scientists call this a "quadruple reassortant" virus.

6. C: When the novel H1N1 outbreak was first detected in mid-April 2009, CDC
began working with states to collect, compile and analyze information regarding
the novel H1N1 flu outbreak, including the numbers of confirmed and probable
cases and the ages of these people. The information analyzed by CDC supports
the conclusion that novel H1N1 flu has caused greater disease burden on
people younger than 25 years of age than older people.

7. C: It’s thought that novel influenza A (H1N1 Flu) spreads in the same way
that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread, mainly through the coughs and
sneezes of people (not pigs) who are sick with the virus, but it may also be
spread by touching infected objects and then touching your nose or mouth.

8. D: Wash your hands regularly with soap and warm for 20 seconds or clean
with alcohol-based hand cleaner if soap and water are not available. Use a
paper towel to turn off the faucet and to open the bathroom door. Wash after
eating and after using the bathroom, just like your mom always told you.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or cough
or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands. Put your used tissue in the
waste basket.

Consider getting the flu vaccine. The vaccine is very important for people at
high risk for serious flu complications.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

Carry hand sanitizer as a backup for when you can’t get to the sink.

Wipe down public items that everyone uses, including light switches,
doorknobs, toilet handles, and toys. Alcohol-based disposable wipes are ideal
for this use.

Pay attention to your overall health. Make sure you are getting enough sleep,
maintaining a healthy diet and managing stress. By taking care of yourself,
your body will be better able to fend off flu viruses.

9. B: In community and home settings, the use of facemasks and respirators

generally are not recommended. However, for certain circumstances, a
facemask or respirator may be considered, specifically for persons at increased
risk of severe illness from influenza.

10. C: Both the flu shot (in the arm) and nasal spray form of 2009 H1N1
vaccines have now been produced and licensed by the Food and Drug
Administration. The federal government has purchased a total of 250 million
doses of 2009 H1N1 vaccine. The 2009 H1N1 vaccine first became available in
early October and more doses are becoming available every week. Vaccine
availability, however, depends on many factors so these numbers will be
frequently updated. The first doses of live attenuated 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine
were administered on October 5, 2009. Administration of the 2009 H1N1 flu
shot began the week of October 12 2009.