Thousands of kids in Texas may not be fully protected against the H1N1 flu virus, even though they've already had one swine flu shot.
Children younger than 10 years old need a second dose of vaccine to reach a higher level of protection. But most Texas children younger than 10 who received the first shot have not come back for the second, according to numbers from a state system that tracks childhood immunizations.
"It's really a good idea to get that second dose to make sure that your child has that adequate level of protection," said Dr. John Carlo, medical director for the Dallas County Health Department.
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, 77 percent of children younger than 10 who received the first dose of vaccine have not received the second.
Doctors caution that number may not be entirely accurate because reporting to the state's ImmTrac system is not always complete. But health officials say the numbers at least show there are more parents who need a reminder to get a double dose of protection for their kids.
Stacia Miller of Mansfield recently got a reminder to bring her daughter, Trinity, in to her pediatrician's office for a second dose.
"I want her body to be fully protected as it can be," Miller said.
But getting that second shot has not always been easy. Some clinics reported shortages around the time many kids were due for their second vaccine last fall.
And then the flu largely faded from media coverage as cases died down.
"The fact that it hit so early in September and was really bad for three weeks -- that got a lot of people in here, and then afterward, everyone was like, 'What's the big deal now?'" said Dr. Laurie Gray, a pediatrician with Cook Children's.
Millions of doses of vaccine are set to expire in June. By mid-summer, Texas will have less than 4.3 million doses left of the more than 11 million doses shipped to the state. Still, it is widely available at the moment at health departments and pharmacies.
Doctors expect H1N1 could make a comeback this summer as kids congregate at summer camps, playgrounds and swimming pools. And the CDC has already reported small spikes in cases in Georgia, especially in areas with lower vaccination rates.
"We can't say that the season's over or that we're out of the woods yet," Carlo said.
Showing posts with label Vaccine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vaccine. Show all posts
Influenza A: How well will treat
1. Recognizing Influenza A
According to the Institute for Public Health: "A possible case of influenza A H1N1 is a person with an acute respiratory syndrome with sudden onset of general symptoms such as fever over 38 ° C or aches or asthenia (fatigue) AND respiratory signs [cough or dyspnea [breathing disorder]]. " Some cases of influenza A have also presented a sore throat, runny nose, headaches or digestive problems (diarrhea, nausea or vomiting).
2. H1N1: When to contact their doctor?
Fatigue, discontinuous headache, fever ... you have symptoms. But when should we contact the doctor? "If the temperature is above 39° C with general symptoms like headache, body aches, extreme fatigue. If it is associated with respiratory disorders [dyspnea] basithoraciques or pain, or if it is associated with neurological signs, "says a doctor of the French Society of General Medicine. In all cases, if the fever persists for more than three days, the World Health recommends consulting a physician.
3. H1N1: Drugs effective
Paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin attention! Some drugs known to fight against the 'flu can do more harm than good! "We must avoid using acetyl salicylic acid [aspirin] because it increases the risk of Reyes syndrome [disease affecting the liver and brain]," said a doctor of the French Society of General Medicine. Also, do not take antiviral drugs (Tamiflu ®, Relenza ®) without consulting a doctor. In fact, "the only drug that can be taken to relieve pain and fever paracetamol [acetaminophen]. The risk / benefit ratio is much higher than that of ibuprofen and ketoprofen." Dosage of paracetamol ( adults and children over 50 kg): 1 g per dose to renew after 6 to 8 hours. Not more than 3 g per day.
4. When taking Tamiflu and Relenza?
Tamiflu and Relenza are antiviral drugs that can alleviate the symptoms of influenza A, shorten its duration and possibly prevent complications. However, "we must take if a doctor prescribes them," he recalled recently the WHO. Especially for Tamiflu, "making its routine may cause nausea, diarrhea and hallucinations," said the HPA (High Health Authority English). They are prescribed to people at risk of complications (respiratory ...) and must be taken within 48 hours after onset of illness to be effective. For other patients, the doctor prescribed symptomatic treatment (paracetamol ...). Note: In a declared pandemic (Phase 6), Tamiflu and Relenza can be prescribed to pregnant women.
5. What if symptoms persist?
Sometimes the symptoms persist or worsen (reprise fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain ...) even being under medical treatment. In this case, nothing should be overlooked! "The risks of complications are pulmonary [lung] and myocarditis [inflammation of the myocardium," said Dr. Patrick Pelloux, an emergency physician. "There is also a risk of meningo-encephalitis [inflammation of the meninges simultaneous and brain in the brain]," added a doctor of the French Society of General Medicine. Do not hesitate to remind your doctor. Avoid, however, go there directly because the risk of contagion runs until 48 hours after symptoms disappear.
6. How long is it contagious?
The influenza A, like other forms of influenza (B, C) is a highly contagious disease. The authorities also expect that 20 million people, nearly one third of the national population could be infected by the end of the year! To avoid infection, be aware that the incubation period (time from infection to onset of symptoms) could go, according to the Ministry of Health, up to 7 days. "A person infected with the virus influenza A is contaminating five days before the onset of symptoms," said Dr. Patrick Pelloux, an emergency physician. She stays until 48 hours after symptoms. In general, influenza A lasts 5 to 8 days.
7. New symptoms in the fall?
"Because the virus influenza A H1N1 is new, we might fear that causes symptoms ... never seen " qoted by a french doctor "Yes, I am not a soothsayer but one can imagine that could fall soon occur greater virulence with mutation of the virus and complications more frequent [pneumonia, meningo-encephalitis]. As to Professor Bernard Debre, a physician and member UMP: "Of course, this virus can mutate and become virulent although for now this is not the view expressed by the majority of virologists." (July 26, 2009-JDD). Conclusion: no need for alarm yet, but remain cautious while respecting their c onseils anti influenza A.
8. How to stem the epidemic?
If you do not feel well, show a high fever, cough and / or sore throat, you should take some preventive measures to avoid contaminating your friends! The first: stay home! The transmission of the virus being by air, leaving you spread it everywhere! If you are forced to go out, wear a mask. Do the same, if you're visiting. Then, it is advised to wash their hands regularly (at least after coughing or sneezing) with soap or alcoholic solution (sold in pharmacies and supermarkets) for 40 to 60 seconds, and cover the mouth and nose with a tissue (disposable after each use) when coughing or sneezing. Finally, regularly ventilate the rooms.
Inspired By :
DesiDieter
According to the Institute for Public Health: "A possible case of influenza A H1N1 is a person with an acute respiratory syndrome with sudden onset of general symptoms such as fever over 38 ° C or aches or asthenia (fatigue) AND respiratory signs [cough or dyspnea [breathing disorder]]. " Some cases of influenza A have also presented a sore throat, runny nose, headaches or digestive problems (diarrhea, nausea or vomiting).
2. H1N1: When to contact their doctor?
Fatigue, discontinuous headache, fever ... you have symptoms. But when should we contact the doctor? "If the temperature is above 39° C with general symptoms like headache, body aches, extreme fatigue. If it is associated with respiratory disorders [dyspnea] basithoraciques or pain, or if it is associated with neurological signs, "says a doctor of the French Society of General Medicine. In all cases, if the fever persists for more than three days, the World Health recommends consulting a physician.
3. H1N1: Drugs effective
Paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin attention! Some drugs known to fight against the 'flu can do more harm than good! "We must avoid using acetyl salicylic acid [aspirin] because it increases the risk of Reyes syndrome [disease affecting the liver and brain]," said a doctor of the French Society of General Medicine. Also, do not take antiviral drugs (Tamiflu ®, Relenza ®) without consulting a doctor. In fact, "the only drug that can be taken to relieve pain and fever paracetamol [acetaminophen]. The risk / benefit ratio is much higher than that of ibuprofen and ketoprofen." Dosage of paracetamol ( adults and children over 50 kg): 1 g per dose to renew after 6 to 8 hours. Not more than 3 g per day.
4. When taking Tamiflu and Relenza?
Tamiflu and Relenza are antiviral drugs that can alleviate the symptoms of influenza A, shorten its duration and possibly prevent complications. However, "we must take if a doctor prescribes them," he recalled recently the WHO. Especially for Tamiflu, "making its routine may cause nausea, diarrhea and hallucinations," said the HPA (High Health Authority English). They are prescribed to people at risk of complications (respiratory ...) and must be taken within 48 hours after onset of illness to be effective. For other patients, the doctor prescribed symptomatic treatment (paracetamol ...). Note: In a declared pandemic (Phase 6), Tamiflu and Relenza can be prescribed to pregnant women.
5. What if symptoms persist?
Sometimes the symptoms persist or worsen (reprise fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain ...) even being under medical treatment. In this case, nothing should be overlooked! "The risks of complications are pulmonary [lung] and myocarditis [inflammation of the myocardium," said Dr. Patrick Pelloux, an emergency physician. "There is also a risk of meningo-encephalitis [inflammation of the meninges simultaneous and brain in the brain]," added a doctor of the French Society of General Medicine. Do not hesitate to remind your doctor. Avoid, however, go there directly because the risk of contagion runs until 48 hours after symptoms disappear.
6. How long is it contagious?
The influenza A, like other forms of influenza (B, C) is a highly contagious disease. The authorities also expect that 20 million people, nearly one third of the national population could be infected by the end of the year! To avoid infection, be aware that the incubation period (time from infection to onset of symptoms) could go, according to the Ministry of Health, up to 7 days. "A person infected with the virus influenza A is contaminating five days before the onset of symptoms," said Dr. Patrick Pelloux, an emergency physician. She stays until 48 hours after symptoms. In general, influenza A lasts 5 to 8 days.
7. New symptoms in the fall?
"Because the virus influenza A H1N1 is new, we might fear that causes symptoms ... never seen " qoted by a french doctor "Yes, I am not a soothsayer but one can imagine that could fall soon occur greater virulence with mutation of the virus and complications more frequent [pneumonia, meningo-encephalitis]. As to Professor Bernard Debre, a physician and member UMP: "Of course, this virus can mutate and become virulent although for now this is not the view expressed by the majority of virologists." (July 26, 2009-JDD). Conclusion: no need for alarm yet, but remain cautious while respecting their c onseils anti influenza A.
8. How to stem the epidemic?
If you do not feel well, show a high fever, cough and / or sore throat, you should take some preventive measures to avoid contaminating your friends! The first: stay home! The transmission of the virus being by air, leaving you spread it everywhere! If you are forced to go out, wear a mask. Do the same, if you're visiting. Then, it is advised to wash their hands regularly (at least after coughing or sneezing) with soap or alcoholic solution (sold in pharmacies and supermarkets) for 40 to 60 seconds, and cover the mouth and nose with a tissue (disposable after each use) when coughing or sneezing. Finally, regularly ventilate the rooms.
Inspired By :
DesiDieter
Influenza A: Are you at risk?
1. Cardiac, diabetic, smokers more at risk ...!
Several risk factors for H1N1 viruses tend to emerge. "To date [July 22, 2009], in addition to known risk situations [...] whose asthma and COPD [chronic pulmonary obstructive], pregnant women and children under 5 years seem more vulnerable to the virus influenza A, "updated by a doctor of the French Society of General Medicine. As for WHO she said on July 24, 2009 that "cardio-vascular diseases, respiratory diseases, diabetes and cancer are among the risk factors for severe forms of influenza H1N1 pandemic of 2009." Finally, smokers may be more at risk for the influenza A as cigarette smoke reduces airway defense against external aggressions, including those of the flu.
2. Overweight: greater risk of influenza A?
D of the French Society of General Medicine said"The people of obesity appear to be more sensitive to the virus influenza A H1N1,". The WHO also recalled "high prevalence of obesity has been reported early in very serious cases or deaths by clinicians in Mexico. Again explains: "A recent report has reported: from 10 ventilated patients in ICUs in Michigan (USA), 9 had a BMI ≥ 30 and 7 BMI ≥ 40 [...]. Of the 50 cases fatalities recorded in California, 30 had a BMI ≥ 30. Among them, 11 showed no known risk factors for complications. " Since then, WHO has requested that further studies be conducted to understand the role played by obesity in the severity of the flu.
3. The over 60s are not immune!
According to a study published in June 2009, severe pneumonia and deaths from H1N1 viruses observed in Mexico in April 2009 involved mainly people aged 5 to 59 years. Scientific hypothesis: the more than 60 years would be more likely to have been exposed during their life to a virus similar to H1N1 (eg flu epidemic of 1957), which would have enabled them to generate a protective antibody But ... Dr Patrick Pelloux, emergency physician, said that "the elderly are most at risk from complications of influenza A because they already suffer frequent infections of the heart, kidneys, immune problems ... what with the virus of influenza, leads to superinfection.
4. H1N1: how to recognize symptoms
"No symptoms does differentiates influenza A to influenza seasonal," said a doctor of the French Society of General Medicine. Clearly, the signs that should alert are: fever over 38 ° C and / or stiffness and / or tiredness associated with dry cough and / or respiratory and / or sore throat or runny nose . Even if it's more casual, the virus of influenza A can also cause digestive disorders (nausea, diarrhea, vomiting). "In the elderly, the symptoms are often misleading, but fever and respiratory signs are often absent," said our interlocutor. In case of doubt or symptoms persist more than 48 hours, contact your doctor.
5. Influenza A: When to consult?
"If the temperature is above 39 ° C with general symptoms like headache, body aches, extreme fatigue. If it is associated with respiratory disorders [dyspnea] basithoraciques or pain, or if it is associated with neurological signs, should go see a doctor, "said a doctor of the French Society of General Medicine. Moreover, according to the World Health must in all cases consult a doctor if the fever persists for more than three days. Beware, if you're one of those at risk of virus influenza A (over 65 years, diabetes, cardiovascular disease or lung, respiratory disorders, obesity ...) you must not hesitate to contact your doctor as soon as you experience these symptoms .
6. Should he wear a mask?
Since July 23, 2009, pharmacies issue free prescription masks of projections (called "surgical mask"). However, do not bother to run to your doctor to prescribe you one if you're not sick! Indeed, the wearing of masks is recommended only if we take care of a sick person or if one is ill and we have contacts with people, inside or outside. Do not touch when you wear it and wash your hands after having removed. And take the mask after each use.
Inspired By :
Swine Flu
Several risk factors for H1N1 viruses tend to emerge. "To date [July 22, 2009], in addition to known risk situations [...] whose asthma and COPD [chronic pulmonary obstructive], pregnant women and children under 5 years seem more vulnerable to the virus influenza A, "updated by a doctor of the French Society of General Medicine. As for WHO she said on July 24, 2009 that "cardio-vascular diseases, respiratory diseases, diabetes and cancer are among the risk factors for severe forms of influenza H1N1 pandemic of 2009." Finally, smokers may be more at risk for the influenza A as cigarette smoke reduces airway defense against external aggressions, including those of the flu.
2. Overweight: greater risk of influenza A?
D of the French Society of General Medicine said"The people of obesity appear to be more sensitive to the virus influenza A H1N1,". The WHO also recalled "high prevalence of obesity has been reported early in very serious cases or deaths by clinicians in Mexico. Again explains: "A recent report has reported: from 10 ventilated patients in ICUs in Michigan (USA), 9 had a BMI ≥ 30 and 7 BMI ≥ 40 [...]. Of the 50 cases fatalities recorded in California, 30 had a BMI ≥ 30. Among them, 11 showed no known risk factors for complications. " Since then, WHO has requested that further studies be conducted to understand the role played by obesity in the severity of the flu.
3. The over 60s are not immune!
According to a study published in June 2009, severe pneumonia and deaths from H1N1 viruses observed in Mexico in April 2009 involved mainly people aged 5 to 59 years. Scientific hypothesis: the more than 60 years would be more likely to have been exposed during their life to a virus similar to H1N1 (eg flu epidemic of 1957), which would have enabled them to generate a protective antibody But ... Dr Patrick Pelloux, emergency physician, said that "the elderly are most at risk from complications of influenza A because they already suffer frequent infections of the heart, kidneys, immune problems ... what with the virus of influenza, leads to superinfection.
4. H1N1: how to recognize symptoms
"No symptoms does differentiates influenza A to influenza seasonal," said a doctor of the French Society of General Medicine. Clearly, the signs that should alert are: fever over 38 ° C and / or stiffness and / or tiredness associated with dry cough and / or respiratory and / or sore throat or runny nose . Even if it's more casual, the virus of influenza A can also cause digestive disorders (nausea, diarrhea, vomiting). "In the elderly, the symptoms are often misleading, but fever and respiratory signs are often absent," said our interlocutor. In case of doubt or symptoms persist more than 48 hours, contact your doctor.
5. Influenza A: When to consult?
"If the temperature is above 39 ° C with general symptoms like headache, body aches, extreme fatigue. If it is associated with respiratory disorders [dyspnea] basithoraciques or pain, or if it is associated with neurological signs, should go see a doctor, "said a doctor of the French Society of General Medicine. Moreover, according to the World Health must in all cases consult a doctor if the fever persists for more than three days. Beware, if you're one of those at risk of virus influenza A (over 65 years, diabetes, cardiovascular disease or lung, respiratory disorders, obesity ...) you must not hesitate to contact your doctor as soon as you experience these symptoms .
6. Should he wear a mask?
Since July 23, 2009, pharmacies issue free prescription masks of projections (called "surgical mask"). However, do not bother to run to your doctor to prescribe you one if you're not sick! Indeed, the wearing of masks is recommended only if we take care of a sick person or if one is ill and we have contacts with people, inside or outside. Do not touch when you wear it and wash your hands after having removed. And take the mask after each use.
Inspired By :
Swine Flu
