Should I be worried about recalled H1N1 vaccine?

With 800,000 H1N1 vaccines recalled, parents are becoming wondering if they should still get their children vaccinated.   According to the CDC, the vaccines are safe and have been recalled due to the vaccine losing its strength.   Children who have been vaccinated do not have anything to worry about as the vaccine is safe and will not have to be revaccinated.   The vaccines made by Sanofi Pasteur in the pediatric doses are the only ones affected in the recall.

With a decrease in the H1N1 Virus being reported do I need to be vaccinated?

From January to the end of February we tend to see the highest reports of the flu.   It is still highly recommend that if you have not been vaccinated for the H1N1 that you should seek vaccination.   There are still enough doses that have not been included in the recall for you to receive the vaccination.  

 

Overview of Signs and Symptoms of H1N1 as defined by the CDC

The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu, including 2009 H1N1 and have respiratory symptoms without a fever. Severe illnesses and deaths have occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.

 

CDC steps to protecting yourself against H1N1

Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

·         Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

·         Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

·         Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

·         If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.*) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.

Other important actions that you can take are:

·         Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.

·         Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so; a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand rubs * (for when soap and water are not available), tissues and other related items could help you to avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious.(http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/qa.htm)
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