Does the Flu Vaccine for 2010 - 2011 Contain the Swine Flu Vaccine? Should you get a flu shot?

It's that time of year again.  Children back at school.  Football season is underway and baseball playoffs to start soon.  The television networks are rolling out their new shows.

And it is also time to think about getting flu shots.  Just got mine today as I have done annually since going to medical school.

Compared to last year, there isn't as much news about the flu or the flu vaccine. 

This year the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) gives clear guidelines that everyone aged 6 months and older should get the influenza vaccine. 

This month the American Academy of Pediatric recommends that all healthcare providers should be required to get the influenza vaccine.

And one fact that hasn't gotten much attention is whether the 2009 H1N1 virus is included in the 2010 - 2011 vaccine?

Yes it is.  This year's vaccine will be as safe as vaccines in past years as the production process is unchanged.  Inclusion of the 2009 H1N1 virus will not be a problem.

These facts are far calmer than the news in the spring of 2009 when the appearance of a novel influenza virus had the world extremely anxious.  Unlike other flu viruses, the swine flu or H1N1 virus was more easily contracted by young and healthy adults as well as infants, children, and pregnant women.  Older adults seemed to be spared.  A flu virus attacking young and healthy resulting in deaths raised concerns that perhaps this was the beginning of a pandemic much like the 1918 influenza pandemic which killed millions worldwide.  Influenza or flu is not simply a bad cold.  It's a viral illness that nationally causes tens of thousands of deaths.

When first signs of this new virus appeared in April 2009, scientists worked feverishly not only to identify it but also figure out how to create a vaccine to protect the public.  The potential for millions of deaths worldwide was a significant possibility.  By the fall, a new vaccine was available.  Because of the time it took to determine the viral DNA sequence, it was not included in the 2009 - 2010 flu vaccine combination batch.  Patients would need to get a separate flu shot in addition to the traditional one.  

That is when the firestorm of controversy occurred.  Instead of being grateful that scientists that a new vaccine was produced in record time, concerns of about safety appeared.  In addition on the initial rollout, there was inadequate or uneven supply of vaccine which resulted in lines of people waiting for a limited supply of vaccine.  People were being turned away.  To add to the uncertainty, the optimum dosage of vaccine to be given to children wasn't initially clear.  All of this didn't help allay fears.  "Deadly virus about to kill millions.  Untested vaccine rushed to production."

None of these stories panned out.  Fortunately the H1N1 pandemic wasn't as deadly as initially feared.


Nevertheless many of these unconfirmed concerns spread quickly and were repeated resulting in many unnecessarily scared patients.  People are increasingly skeptical of large institutions and organizations, even if they are working in the public's best interest.  As people become more irrational about making important decisions of significant consequence, it is vital that people can trust a group of individuals who put the well-being of others first.  It is vital that doctors step up and lead by example.

Doing the right thing means that if controversy appears, whether regarding vaccinations or healthcare reform and policy changes, doctors must step up and be heard.  Too much misinformation exists.  The public is increasingly confused.  Speaking up means sometime you have to disagree with fellow doctors.

Doing the right thing sometimes is the hardest thing to do.  Getting a flu vaccine certainly isn't one of them.  Do the right thing, roll-up your sleeves, and get the flu vaccine.  It's what I'll be doing for my family.  Demonstrate to your staff and your patients it is the right thing to do.

Doctor, get vaccinated.  Remind them to get the flu vaccine.

Swine Flu – What You Must Know

Background
Swine flu is a respiratory virus which is caused by influenza A that occurs in pigs. Typically the virus would spread from pig to pig and at times would move from pig to humans, usually due to direct contact with the animals. The virus usually is not able to transmit effectively among people and would not infect beyond three individuals.

Since late March and early April of 2009, a particular strain of swine flu influenza A (H1N1) has been identified first in Texas and Southern California which appears to spread more efficiently among people. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is tracking the number of cases in the United States as well as various other health agencies like the World Health Organization (WHO). Although the cases in the US have been mild without any reported deaths at this time, in Mexico, already about 1800 cases have been confirmed with nearly 90 deaths, mostly in young healthy individuals.

It appears to be spreading by the respiratory route, that is from exposure to infected respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing.

Since the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic which killed millions of individuals, mainly young and healthy, scientists are always concerned that the next flu outbreak is the next big one. It is currently too early to tell. As of now there is no vaccine for the swine flu. There are steps you can take to prevent it.

What You Must Do
Recommendations from the CDC are common sense and apply not only to preventing the flu but also the common cold. These include:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?

Although it is unlikely that one can find the past year’s influenza vaccine available, getting vaccinated probably won’t help protect against the swine flu.

Ideally, the best prevention is to avoid individuals who are ill. Facemasks may be helpful if needed to care for someone ill. A N95 disposable respirator is a better option than a facemask. More important tips on caring for an ill person from the CDC.

Watch Out for Symptoms
Symptoms of the swine flu are similar to that of the human flu, influenza, which occurs seasonally in the winter.

Sudden onset of high fever, shakes, chills.
Muscle aches
Dry cough
Fatigue
Low back pain

Unlike the common cold where symptoms build up gradually, patients with the flu always seem to remember what they were doing when they were overcome by symptoms. “Doctor, I was fine until about 4pm when all of a sudden I felt muscle aches all over.”

If you have symptoms of the flu, it is important to contact your doctor right away, ideally within 2 days of onset. There are prescription medications that can be helpful, but must be taken within 2 days of symptoms.

Don’t Believe the Myths
You don’t need to worry about eating pork or pork related products. It doesn’t spread by food.

Stay Informed and Educated
Learn more from the ongoing investigation from the CDC.