Sorry it took so long for me to get this out!
Stormont Pharmacists in attendance: Amber, Seth, Jenny C.
Speaker: Infection Control Nurse at KC hospital
-The rate of H1N1 deaths so far are lower than the flu but it is who it is killing that is bothersome (opposite of seasonal flu). About 99% of all flu cases right now in the US is H1N1. The seasonal flu won't hit until later this winter.
-There are 3 types of influenza - A - B - C - the H1N1 is influenza "A". Generally in the seasonal flu vaccine there are always 2 types of "A" and one type of "B".
- "H" stands for hemagglutinin and "N" stands for Neuramindase. There are 15 different hemagglutinins and 9 different neuramindases.
- Some people >50 may have some mild immunity.
- More lung damage (long term lung damage) seen with H1N1. Average length of time on ventilator is 25 days. Average length of hospital stay is 6-8 weeks.
-25-30 % of people will become ill and unable to work for 7-10 days. Economic impact estimated at $71-$165 billion.
-Who is at risk? infants, young age 4-24 yrs, people with underlying conditions (lung conditions, diabetes), pregnant and post partum women, immunosuppressed, obesity BMI >30
-Symptoms: fever >100, muscle aches, malaise, runny nose, cough, diarrhea in some
- Testing for H1N1 not usually recquired or recommended. The Rapid Influenza Testing is only 10-50 % accurate.
-Complications - primary cause of death is acute resp distress syndrome, 2nd cause of death bacterial pneumonia
-How long to stay at home? kids are going back to school too soon. Kids shed virus from nose longer than adults. Kids should return to school after 24 hrs of being afebrile w/o antipyretics. Health care worker those around people at risk should stay home 7 days from onset of symptoms or resolution of fever
-treatment: supportive care for mild cases, for severe cases: antivirals, hydration, ventilator
-H1N1 vaccine: Prioritize: 1) pregnant 2) caregivers for kids <6 mths 3) health care/ER workers 4) people b/w ages 6mth-24 yo 5) people 25-64 who are at high risk b/c of underlying conditions
-H1N1 vaccine: single IM dose for adults, kids <10>50 b/c it has not been studied in these populations.
-It takes 2 weeks for the vaccine to 'get on board'.
-You can get both seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccine at the same time.
Monday, October 19, 2009
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