SWINE FLU: READ WHAT OUR INFECTIOUS DISEASE SPECIALIST HAS TO SAY
For Our Patients: Update on “Swine” Flu and Influenza Vaccination
(Current Information and Advice From Our Infectious Disease Consultant
Arthur Lebowitz MD)
A different strain of type A influenza (“H1N1”) (“Swine Flu”) has emerged from Mexico this past spring and there has been justifiable patient concern over how serious it is compared to the usual (fall, winter ) influenza, its responsiveness to medication, and the status of a vaccine. So far it appears that as a general pattern, the older population has been relatively spared compared with the younger and middle aged groups. There is some evidence that the older population may have some cross resistance conferred by previous vaccinations Pregnancy is thought to present an additional risk. Experience worldwide suggests that this strain is NOT any more deadly than customary seasonal influenza.
We can expect a rise in influenza activity this fall and anticipate that this newer H1N1 strain may be the dominant strain. This new strain has so far proved susceptible to the anti-viral medications TAMIFLU (oral) and RELENZA (inhaled), available by prescription. A vaccine against this new flu strain is expected to be ready hopefully by late October. Distribution of the specific H1N1 vaccine will be via the NYC Department of Health. The Concorde group has already entered into the registration process with the NYC Department of Health.
Regular trivalent influenza vaccine has begun to be shipped to doctors by the manufacturers and initial shipments have already arrived at Concorde offices. We recommend that patients take the standard flu vaccine which is already available now. Please call your doctors’ offices to make appointments for your customary fall vaccination.
When the new H1N1 vaccine is released we plan to make it available to our patients in accord with the Department of Health priority directives. The priorities of populations most at risk continues to be analyzed by government agencies. Current thinking suggests that toddlers, school age children, school workers, healthcare workers, caretakers of the sick and elderly, and then the older population, will be the primary targets.
The CDC website has much useful and practical information about self protection, as well as advice and guidelines for parents and school administrators. Useful resources include the following: http://www.cdc.gov/flu , and http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/cd/cd-h1n1flu.shtml
Arthur Lebowitz, MD
