OUR DOCTORS’ ANSWERS TO YOUR COMMON H1N1 QUESTIONS
(Please note, this information was updated on 12/9/09, and will be further updated on our website, www.drsbedingfieldandrosewell.yourmd.com as more information becomes available, and as more questions become "common".)
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When will the office be getting the H1N1 vaccine?
WE DO HAVE THEM IN !!!
My child has asthma (or heart disease, or a seizure disorder, or is less than 2 years old). Will we be given first priority?
Since we now have an ample supply of the vaccine, we are able to offer it to all of our patients.
Our child already received the seasonal flu vaccine. When can he/she get the H1N1 vaccine?
There must be at least a 3 week, and preferably a 4 week gap between two mist vaccines. Otherwise any interval is acceptable.
If we can get the flu vaccine somewhere else (school, a pharmacy, a vaccine clinic,etc.) should we?
Yes, by all means, but please let us know you received it.
We know that children less than 10 need a second H1N1 vaccine. If we get the first at our school, county, or your office, can we get the second at your office?
Yes, call our office to arrange the "booster".
Do the doctors recommend the H1N1 vaccine?
Yes!!
What age can a child get the H1N1 vaccine?
Same as seasonal flu vaccine - 6mos to 2 yrs – shot, 2 yrs – mist or shot (unless they are a severe asthmatic – then shot only)
If our child receives the mist form, can others around them "catch" the flu?
That is only a danger for immuno-compromised persons (such as those on chemo-therapy).
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Which is better – shot or mist?
No preference – but severe asthmatics should not get the mist.
If our child has been exposed, how soon should we expect they might become ill?
The incubation period is 1-4 days. (most commonly about 2)
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What symptoms should we watch for?
High fever, congestion, cough, headaches, and achiness.
If our child develops these symptoms, when should we try to come in?
As soon as they have all of the classic symptoms, and preferably within 48 hours.
Will our child be treated if they test positive for H1N1? (see also question 15)
The CDC (Center for Disease Control) is urging us to be very conservative with anti-flu medication. Plus treatment is best if started within 48 hours. Ultimately we will make decisions on a case-by-case basis. Please note, however, anti-flu medication only shortens the course of the illness by 1 – 2 days.
If our child tests "positive" in your office are we sure it’s H1N1?
No. Definitive tests for H1N1 are quite expensive, take time, and must be sent to an outside lab. At the present time, however, the vast majority of our Influenza A cases can be assumed to be H1N1.
Finally (and most importantly) how serious is the H1N1 flu?
Fortunately, the vast majority of cases seem to be relatively mild. They seem to last about 3-5 days even without treatment. Disease are always more frightening when they are "in the news". And severe cases that end in serious illness or death are the ones that make the news. Plus, no one knows why those first cases that appeared in Mexico last spring were so devastating. The cases we’ve seen thus far have been mild. What we ARE concerned about, however, is how very contagious this illness seems to be. Fortunately it does appear to be subsiding.
