H1N1 INFORMATION FOR ADULTS

Updated as of January 13, 2010

We have received our final shipment of H1N1 vaccine for adults.  We are now offering the vaccine to any of our patients while supplies last. This is preservative containing vaccine.

For more information regarding the H1N1 please clicks on the link below.
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
www.sccphd.org/h1n1flu

What to do if you think you have the H1N1 (“swine”) flu?

Please recognize that the current disease from H1N1 influenza is no more severe for the majority of people than the typical, seasonal influenza.

Symptoms of influenza are typically a fever greater than 100 degrees and either sore throat or cough.

Testing to confirm H1N1 flu is not necessary in most cases unless treatment is being considered or the symptoms are severe (see below).

Treatment is primarily supportive for most patients.

• Supportive measures for those with H1N1 influenza include staying home from work or school (until at least 24 hours after the fever subsides), drinking plenty of fluids, resting in bed and taking either acetaminophen or ibuprofen (not appropriate for pregnant women).
• If you have one of the following additional symptoms, you may need treatment with either Tamiflu or Relenza. Please call your health care provider if you have either: 1) severe symptoms such as significant shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, severe fatigue, or 2) a high-risk condition such as being immunocompromised, asthma, heart failure, diabetes or pregnancy.

Prophylaxis is generally not recommended by the CDC guidelines anymore. The exceptions are for pregnant women and adults who are immunocompromised with a household exposure (positive case in the household). If you think you are in that group for exposure to a case of H1N1 influenza, please call your provider.

For additional information you may also call the San Mateo County Flu hotline at 650-573-3927.