Vaccinations and Antiviral Treatments
H1N1 Flu Vaccine
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of one dose of 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine for persons 10 years of age and older. The CDC recommends that children under 10 get two doses. Infants younger than 6 months of age are too young to get the 2009 H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccines.
The CDC recommends people at higher risk receive the H1N1 flu vaccine first:
- Pregnant women
- Caregivers of infants six months and younger
- Children from six months through 24 years of age
- Healthcare workers
- People with certain health conditions
The H1N1 vaccine might initially be available only in limited quantities. If that's the case, the CDC recommends the groups listed above be given priority. Mercy also recommends people receive the seasonal flu vaccine, since regular seasonal flu viruses are still expected to cause illness this year.
The H1N1 vaccine and seasonal flu vaccine can be given at the same time, as long as they are not both given in the form of nasal mist.
H1N1 Flu Antiviral Drugs
Antivirals are drugs prescribed by doctors (in pill, liquid, or powder form) to treat people who are already infected by a virus. They also can be used to prevent infection when given before or shortly after exposure and before illness occurs. They fight the flu by keeping flu viruses from multiplying in your body. If you get sick, they can make your illness milder and prevent serious flu complications.
A key difference between a vaccine and an antiviral drug is that an antiviral drug will prevent infection only within a certain time frame before or after exposure. A vaccine can be given long before exposure to the virus and can provide protection over a long period of time.
Antiviral Treatments
CDC and public health officials are recommending that only people with severe illness from H1N1 or who are at high risk for complications be treated with the antiviral medication, so that there will enough medication for all those who may need it.
Antiviral Use During Pregnancy
Pregnant women who contract H1N1 flu are at higher risk for complications. The CDC has approved the use of Tamiflu and Relenza in pregnancy. If you're pregnant, your ObGyn and primary care practitioners will make a recommendation about whether Tamiflu or Relenza is right for you.
