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It seems that winter – and flu season – have gotten an early start here in Connecticut this year. The Red Cross has information to help you better understand the difference between season flu and H1N1, or “swine flu,” and tips on staying healthy.
Know the Difference
Influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory disease caused by different strains of viruses. In the United States, there is a flu season that begins every fall and ends every spring. The type of flu people get during this season is called seasonal flu. Flu viruses spread from person to person when people who are infected cough or sneeze.
Seasonal Flu affects an average of 5 percent to 20 percent of the U.S. population by causing mild to severe illness, and in some instances can lead to death. Adults may be able to infect others one day before getting symptoms and as long as five days after getting sick.
H1N1, referred to as “swine flu” early on, is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. In the United States, this new virus was first detected in people in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.
Epidemic—The rapid spread of a disease that affects some or many people in a community or region at the same time.
Pandemic—An outbreak of a disease that affects large numbers of people throughout the world and spreads rapidly.
Know What’s Happening
Know What to Do
During a pandemic, officials may have to limit your movement or impose travel restrictions to help prevent the virus from spreading. Schools, businesses and other places where the public gathers may close temporarily. Here in Connecticut, we have seen some extended school closures.
"This is the time to prepare and get informed," said Connecticut Chapter CEO Dianne Auger. "We haven’t had a worldwide flu pandemic in more than 40 years, so people don’t necessarily know what to expect. We all need to learn what we can do to get our homes and families ready."
Get Vaccinated
Because the H1N1 and seasonal flu viruses are different, people will need to get separate vaccinations for each flu strain. People planning to get the seasonal flu vaccine should do it now, and then get the H1N1 flu vaccine when available. Initial vaccination efforts will focus on five groups:
- Pregnant women
- The young (ages 6 months to 24 years of age)
- People younger than 64 who have conditions such as asthma or diabetes that increase the risk of complications from flu
- Health workers
- Caregivers of babies younger than 6 months of age
With the first doses of the H1N1 (swine) flu vaccine being shipped and seasonal flu shots underway, people should be getting vaccinations when they can for these flu viruses, said Sharon Stanley, Chief Nurse of the American Red Cross. "Dealing with the flu is a three-step process: Get vaccinated, stop the spread with basic hygiene and stay home if sick."
Getting vaccinated against both the H1N1 flu and the seasonal flu is the most important step.
“Make sure you and your loved ones are vaccinated this flu season,” urges Stanley.
“It is important for individuals to understand that there are two options available for vaccination against H1N1,” says Stanley. “The nasal mist, which is a weakened vaccine virus, and the injection, a killed vaccine virus, cannot cause the flu. Both are Food and Drug Administration approved in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These are very safe products that are matched for this year’s H1N1 virus.”
Individuals need to get both seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccines. The H1N1 vaccine will be distributed to high risk groups first. The seasonal flu vaccine is already widely available for anyone wishing to be vaccinated.
Shipments of the H1N1 vaccine are already underway and individuals should be patient as states distribute the vaccines as they are received, and as crowds are expected, at least at first.
Additional vaccine information is located on http://www.flu.gov/. The American Red Cross also has information available on H1N1 preparedness, including what people can do to stay healthy and keep their family healthy.
Basic Hygiene Helps
While vaccines are the most powerful public health tool for controlling influenza, Stanley said that people can help reduce their exposure by using good hand-washing hygiene, social distancing and covering their cough.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands.
- Wash your hands often, for at least 20 seconds, with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay At Home If Sick
Finally, people who develop an influenza-like illness should stay home and check in with a health care provider if symptoms worsen or they are in a high-risk group for H1N1 complications.
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