What's New with the Flu This Year?
Each year, millions of Americans come down with the flu. This year may be worse than usual, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The problem?
The 2009 H1N1 flu, a new virus first seen last spring.
Many of us have some immunity to the seasonal flu viruses that circulate every year. However, since 2009 H1N1 is new, most of us will have little or no immunity to it.
Like any flu, 2009 H1N1 appears to spread when droplets bearing the virus enter your body through the nose or mouth. An infected person's cough or sneeze can spread the virus.
Symptoms of the seasonal flu or 2009 H1N1 often include headache, fever, sore throat, muscle aches, dry cough and fatigue. Many people with 2009 H1N1 also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.
Both types of flu seem to be harder on people with pre-existing medical conditions, including diabetes and heart disease. People ages 65 and older are at a higher risk for serious complications from the seasonal flu. 2009 H1N1, in contrast, seems to hit harder among people younger than 25.
Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent the flu. This year, you may need two vaccines.
- The seasonal flu vaccine is available now. The CDC wants people to get it as soon as they can. It probably won't protect you against 2009 H1N1.
- Vaccines for 2009 H1N1 are available in some states. Ask your doctor if the vaccine is available and if you should receive it.
The CDC has slightly different recommendations for who should receive the vaccines. Talk with your doctor before you receive them.
The Seasonal Flu Vaccine
While anyone can get vaccinated, certain people are at risk for serious complications from the flu. The CDC recommends that the following high-risk people be vaccinated every year:- Children ages six months to 18 years
- Women who will be pregnant during flu season
- People ages 50 and older
- People with chronic medical conditions, including diabetes; heart, lung or kidney ailments; or a weakened immune system
- People who live in long-term care facilities
- People who live with or care for high-risk people, especially children younger than six months old
H1N1 Vaccine
The CDC is recommending the 2009 H1N1 vaccine for the following groups when it becomes available to them:- Pregnant women
- Household contacts and caregivers of children younger than six months
- Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
- People ages six months to 24 years
- People ages 25 to 64 with health conditions linked to risks for flu complications
Treating the Flu
If you come down with a flu-like illness, get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. Acetaminophen and other over-the-counter medications may ease symptoms. Most people who have come down with 2009 H1N1 flu have recovered with no treatment, although some cases have been severe.You may be able to shorten your illness by taking prescription antiviral medications. Treatment with these drugs must start within 48 hours after symptoms begin, so call your doctor early if you suspect the flu.
Practice Healthy Habits
These healthy habits can help prevent the seasonal or 2009 H1N1 flu:
- When you're healthy, try to avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- When you're sick, stay home until your fever has been gone for at least 24 hours.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash your hands with soap and warm running water for 15 seconds several times a day.
- Avoid touching your face. Often, germs are spread when a person touches something that is contaminated and then touches the eyes, nose or mouth.
