Inadequate use of masks or respirators put health care workers at risk of 2009 H1N1 infection during the earliest stages of the 2009 pandemic in the U.S., according to a study published in the December issue of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of the Society of Healthcare Epidemiology of America. The study, led [...]
By John J. Kruzel – American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Nov. 2, 2009 – The Defense Department has started receiving H1N1 vaccines and will begin distributing doses in the coming weeks. The Health and Human Services Department is distributing the vaccines, manufactured by four producers, to the department. Because rates of production vary among the [...]
Pregnant women can get seriously ill with the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus (sometimes called “novel H1N1 flu” or “swine flu”). Learn how to protect yourself and your baby and what to do if you have symptoms of the flu. A pregnant woman who gets any type of flu has a greater chance for serious health [...]
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is informing consumers of—and protecting them against—potential harm associated with unapproved products claiming to diagnose, prevent, or otherwise act against the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. Within the past two weeks, FDA has urged caution regarding promotions and Internet sites offering products for sale that claim to diagnose, prevent, mitigate, [...]
Vaccine Distribution Q. When will the decision to administer vaccine be made? A. For planning purposes, it should be assumed that vaccine will be administered beginning in the fall. Q. When will vaccine shipping begin? A. Planners should assume shipping of vaccine will begin mid-October, although there is a possibility that some vaccine will be [...]
About the Flu Flu refers to illnesses caused by a number of different influenza viruses. Flu can cause a range of symptoms and effects, from mild to lethal. Two strains of flu, seasonal flu and the H1N1 (Swine) flu, are currently circulating in the United States. A third, highly lethal H5N1 (Bird) flu is being [...]
Vaccines Approved for H1N1 Influenza Virus The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved four vaccines for use against the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. The vaccines—made by CSL Limited, MedImmune LLC, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics Limited, and sanofi pasteur Inc.—will be distributed nationally after the initial lots become available. This is expected to occur [...]
What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in people? The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Severe illnesses [...]
What is 2009 H1N1 (swine flu)? 2009 H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal [...]
With the new H1N1 virus continuing to cause illness, hospitalizations and deaths in the US during the normally flu-free summer months and some uncertainty about what the upcoming flu season might bring, CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has taken an important step in preparations for a voluntary 2009 H1N1 vaccination effort to counter a [...]