Don't forget about seasonal flu

BY JENNIFER HOEGG

jhoegg@kentvilleadvertiser.ca

NovaNewsNow.com

Some Nova Scotians may be rolling up their sleeves for more than one shot in the arm this fall.

Dr. Richard Gould, Medical Officer of Health for the Annapolis Valley District Health Authority, expects immunization for the pandemic H1N1 influenza strain will be recommended for the general population as soon as the vaccine is available.

While that vaccine may not arrive in Canada until late fall, protection from “regular” seasonal flu should not be overlooked, Gould said. “There is no two-for-one deal,” he pointed out. “They are quite distinct vaccines so you will have to get both.”

He said this year’s seasonal influenza shot will be available by October and those at risk for flu complications should line up. This includes seniors 65 and older, people with chronic health problems, infants from six months to three years of age and pregnant women. “And family members of people who are at risk, including family members of infants under six months who can’t be immunized and others who, because of their role may place others at increased risk,” Gould added, “like health care workers and first responders. “We don’t recommend the general population who is healthy receive the flu vaccine routinely,” Gould said, but he noted some businesses may request employees be immunized to decrease absenteeism.

Children are more likely to catch influenza, but are less at risk for complications. Kids who do require a flu shot and are under nine years of age are a special case, Gould noted. “If they haven’t been immunized for the flu in the past, they need two (shots) at least 30 days apart.”

Still waiting on H1N1 shot

Gould isn’t sure when the H1N1 vaccine will be available in Nova Scotia. ”Probably sometime in November,” he said. “It all depends what’s happening with vaccine manufacture and testing.”

Although it would normally take up to six months between identification of a new virus and vaccine production, the timeline for the new H1N1 immunization has been closer to two or three months, Gould noted.

Testing is essential, he added. They look at it for safety in terms of any kind of reaction. They will look at it also for effectiveness; “whether they need to add substances to enhance immune response.”

Recommendations for vaccination priorities may be different for H1N1 than for the seasonal flu, he said. For instance, seniors may not be as susceptible to complication from the new virus. “The older age group seems to be at less risk, they seem to have some immunity.” First Nations communities may be added to the high priority list, Gould added.

During the flu season in the Southern Hemisphere, both seasonal flu and H1N1 have been circulating, he said, but health systems have not been overwhelmed. Australia and New Zealand have had “a bad normal flu season with lots of infections, but necessarily near the predictions of the worst pandemics.”

Here at home, provincial numbers of H1N1 cases have been decreasing over the past few weeks. “It will probably stay that way until we run into the flu season,” Gould said. Then, “over four to six weeks, it will reach a peak and start to decline,” he predicted.

What to do if you succumb to flu

In preparation for flu season, Health Protection and Promotion is reminding Nova Scotians to wash hands, cover coughs and frequently clean countertops and doorknobs.

If you do develop flu-like symptoms, such as fever and/or cough with one or more of unusual tiredness, head/muscle/joint aches or sore throat, stay home and rest, Gould said.

Identifying which variant of influenza is the culprit is not a high priority in most cases, he added. “Routine testing is not necessary. If people have typical flu symptoms they should just stay home and treat symptomatically.”

Antiviral drugs are not necessarily the answer, Gould noted. “Tamiflu is not recommended for most people with the flu. Most people will recover without anything.”

Gould suggested those at high risk of complications should talk to their physician ahead of time about what to do if they develop flu-like symptoms. --

Prevention tips:

Nova Scotians are encouraged to take the following precautionary measures to prevent illness: • Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after a sneeze or cough. When soap and water are not handy, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are an acceptable alternative. • Cough and sneeze into elbow or sleeve. • If using tissues, dispose of them appropriately and wash hands. • Limit touching eyes, nose and mouth. • Stay home if sick and limit unnecessary contact with others. Return to school and work when feeling well and able to fully participate in normal everyday activities. • If concerned that medical advice or care is needed, contact HealthLink 811. Like any illness, should symptoms worsen, visit a doctor or walk-in clinic.

Source: Health Promotion and Protection