UnVaccinated? Coping with Flu Vaccine Shortages
While Awaiting More Vaccine, Avoid Getting Regular & H1N1 Swine Flu
Nov 5, 2009
In early November, it became apparent that there's a shortage of both seasonal flu vaccine and a special vaccine against this year's feared "swine" or H1N1 strain of the flu. The shortages are related; companies have shifted from making the seasonal to the swine flu vaccine, so there's less of the former than usual, and not enough of the latter.
NY TImes Headline: "Nation Is Facing Vaccine Shortage for Seasonal Flu"
It's of small comfort to the unvaccinated, but, as The New York Times explains, "Federal officials and independent flu experts have said the situation was unavoidable, given that the global swine flu pandemic had raised demand for all flu shots far beyond what manufacturers can make in a year."
The symptoms of seasonal and swine flu are the same; only a lab test can differentiate. Both cause fever, aches and pains, sometimes chills, and tiredness. Both can develop into serious conditions. Every year thousands of deaths are attributed to the seasonal flu (mostly in people with other underlying health conditions). The swine flu can become particularly dangerous for otherwise healthy young adults.
The best single source of consumer advice about the flu is the CDC's special flu website.
Unvaccinated? Here's Where to Keep Looking for Flu Shots
Flu vaccines are offered in a variety of places: doctors' offices, clinics, schools, pharmacies, and special centers. Call the local health department for more information.
- Keep trying to get the vaccines. Production is an ongoing process, and consumers simply don't know when a given city is going to receive more. Stay on the case.
How the Unvaccinated Can Stay Healthy in Flu Season
Both seasonal and swine strains of the flu are transmitted by microscopic particles. Flu germs can be transmitted in numerous ways, for instance, by saliva, by hand, by sharing foods and drinks, and by touching contaminated surfaces. The swine flu can contracted through airborne particles, as when one person inadvertently inhales invisible droplets into the air after an infected person nearby sneezes or coughs.
Without hibernating for the winter, unvaccinated people might be smart to avoid very crowded places if possible. Person-to-person contact is more likely to happen in crowded areas, such as packed movie theaters or an indoor basketball game. One is less likely to "catch" the flu in a well-ventilated, uncrowded room, or outside, say at a football game, outdoor ice skating rink, or park.
Sneezing, Handwashing Tips for Unvaccinated Children, Teens and Young Adults Under Age 25
- Remind children and teens daily about handwashing: Turn handwashing into a child's game with songs. Carry alcohol-based hand cleaners.
- Practice the right way to sneeze and cough: Cover one's nose and mouth with a tissue, not a hankie. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Wash hands after coughing and sneezing.
- Avoid touching one's eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Model good behavior: At home, practice washing hands and discuss not sharing food, drinks, tissues.
- Encourage kids to keep their fingers out of their mouths; discourage fingernail biting.
- Watch for signs of illness: If a child appears run down, unusually cranky, tired or feverish, take note and keep them home from school. If symptoms of the flu appear, call the doctor.
Checklist for Getting Prepared for Getting Swine or Seasonal Flu
- Keep a thermometer in the house: Be able to take one's temperature at home; 98.6 F is normal.
- Stock up: Stock up on favorite juices and broth or soups, whether store bought or frozen. Be prepared.
CDC Recommendations for Those with Flu
The CDC suggests a number of useful tips:
- Go to the doctor when symptoms first appear. He or she may prescribe antivirals in various forms —pills, liquid or an inhaler— that make the illness milder. Two antivirals, Oseltamivir (TAMIFLU®) and Zanamivir (RELENZA®) may be effective against the H1N1 flu, according to the CDC.
- Stay home until at least 24 hours after the fever subsides (100°F or 37.8°C) or signs of a fever are gone. Take the temperature without the use of a fever-reducing medicine, such as Tylenol®.
- Be cautious when caring for a sick person. The CDC says, "If you must have close contact with a sick person (for example, hold a sick infant), spend the least amount of time possible in close contact and try to wear a facemask (for example, surgical mask) or N95 disposable respirator."(There's more information on about masks on the CDC flu website.)
Finally, pay attention to nutrition and rest. Getting enough sleep, eating breakfast, having a balanced diet rich in fruit and vegetables, drinking sufficient water, and dealing with stress are all helpful in staying healthy. That's especially important this year, considering that millions are unvaccinated against the seasonal and swine flu.
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