MDA’s H1N1 Update

It’s no secret that more than one kind of flu virus is spreading through our communities — seasonal influenza and the H1N1 flu. Because individuals affected by neuromuscular disease are at increased risk of serious and possibly devastating complications from H1N1, it's important that we stay informed, and take steps to protect ourselves and our families.

An H1N1 vaccine has been developed, and vaccination priority will be given to target groups deemed to be at increased risk for serious medical complications from the H1N1 virus, including :

• pregnant women;
• household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months;
• health care and emergency medical services personnel;
• all people from 6 months through age 24;
• people ages 25-64 that have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.

The intranasal form (sprayed into the nose) is available in most parts of the country. However, this variety of the vaccine is not recommended for those affected by neuromuscular disease since it contains an attenuated (weakened) form of the H1N1 virus.

An injectable form of the vaccine was available beginning in mid-October. MDA is closely monitoring vaccine distribution. Meanwhile, there’s a great deal we can do to prepare and help protect everyone from the flu, which is why we’ve gathered information, and recommended guidelines and credible resources to keep you informed. Updates will be posted at www.mda.org as new information becomes available.

“The threat of the H1N1 ’swine flu ’ is a very real concern for the MDA community, and MDA is doing everything in our power to inform, and advocate on behalf of, the families we serve.  Early signs indicate that the H1N1 flu is more virulent than the seasonal flu, and MDA is engaging in ongoing discussions with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding the latest developments of the H1N1 vaccine,” said Valerie Cwik, MDA medical director and executive vice president for research.

“At this time, members of the MDA community between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old are included on the CDC’s target priority list for H1N1 vaccination. Of course, we also recommend that members of their entire households be vaccinated as early in the season as possible, and that families be vigilant about watching for early signs and symptoms of the flu.”

There are many relatively simple ways to protect yourself and those you love from exposure to H1N1, including the following:

• Educate family members and roommates about the heightened risk of H1N1 for those with neuromuscular disease and the importance of staying away from others who are experiencing flu-like symptoms.
• Promote good hand hygiene among everyone in your home, which means washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice), especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers containing at least 60 percent alcohol also are effective.
• Encourage everyone in your home to practice respiratory etiquette by covering coughs and sneezes with tissues or your arm. Dispose of tissues in a waste receptacle after use.
• Stress the importance of avoiding the sharing of utensils and drinking cups with everyone in your home, and to avoid touching their face with their hands, especially after handling shared items such as telephones or remote controls.
• Educate yourself about flu symptoms. H1N1 symptoms are similar to symptoms of regular influenza, which include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, chills and fatigue. Some people also may experience diarrhea and vomiting. Contact your physician immediately if you develop flu-like symptoms.

It is vital that MDA families take proactive health precautions to minimize the risks during the flu season. At the first sign of flu symptoms, please contact you personal physician. Also, your local MDA clinic can answer questions regarding seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccinations in your community.