The South seems to be ahead of rest of the nation in the H1N1 outbreak. While the North is seeing an increase in cases, it seems that in the past week we have seen a substantial decrease in the number of children requiring flu test. But, the number continues and it may recrudesce at any moment, so it is no time for complacency.
H1N1 Vaccine
The H1N1 vaccine should be available in the following 2-3 weeks and children, especially those under 5 years, will likely be among the priority groups for immunization. We will have to see when the vaccine is made available, how much is available and what the initial groups targeted for immunization are.
The FDA has approved the use of one dose of H1N1 vaccine for persons 10 years of age and older, and the use of two doses for children 9 years of age and younger.
The monovalent H1N1 vaccine is made and tested under the same standards as the regular flu vaccine, so it is not expected to have more or less side effects as the regular flu vaccine; and it is expected to have similar efficacy. Actually, efficacy may be somewhat better. For the few circulating seasonal flu strains there is a mismatch of 11-13% with the seasonal vaccine strains, while for pandemic H1N1 the match is almost complete, making it likely that protection will be significant.
Influenza and Pregnancy
The CDC recently updated its antiviral medication recommendations for obstetric healthcare providers. Treatment with oseltamivir or zanamivir is recommended for pregnant women with suspected or confirmed influenza. Pregnant women can take these medications during any trimester of pregnancy. The duration of antiviral treatment is five days. All pregnant women should be counseled about the early signs and symptoms of influenza and advised to call immediately for evaluation if these symptoms develop. To read the complete recommendations for treatment and chemoprophylaxis of pregnant women, please see http://
www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/pregnancy/antiviral_messages.htm.
Sources of Information:
We will keep this site updated as new information becomes available, so visit us frequently. You can also e-mail Dr Rodolfo E Bégué (rbegue@lsuhsc.edu) with any question (we will post your question and the answer) or call Dr Bégué at (504) 896-9820. You can also find all sorts of information at CDC’s website (www.flu.gov). Dr. Begue is Professor of Pediatrics, Division Head, Infectious Diseases at LSUHSC & Director, Infection Control, Children’s Hospital, New Orleans.