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Idaho 2009 H1N1 Weekly Update: November 25

posted on November 25, 2009 11:53

 

Idaho 2009 H1N1 Weekly Update: November 25
 
With the start of the holiday season this week, influenza-like illness will likely continue to spread as people travel and gather together. Lab-confirmed H1N1 infections continue to be reported, with 28 additional infections reported during the past week. That brings the total confirmed cases to 796 since the first of September.
 
People in the target population should protect themselves from illness during the holidays by receiving the H1N1 vaccine and practicing good health hygiene habits such as washing hands frequently, covering coughs and staying at home when ill.
 
When vaccine is opened up to the general public, it may become more difficult for people in the target population to receive the vaccine. People most at risk for severe H1N1 illness should not delay in getting vaccinated.
 
H1N1 Vaccine: Vaccine being recalled by the Canadian government has not been distributed by the CDC to any states in the US. Canada is recalling up to 170,000 doses of H1N1 vaccine manufactured by Glaxo-Smith-Kline after six serious allergic reactions to the vaccine were reported this fall. That vaccine has not been approved by the FDA.
 
As of November 24, Idaho has been allocated a total of 271,300 doses* of 2009 H1N1 vaccine. People should check with their local Public Health District’s website, or call their Health District for clinic information and site locations. (*Vaccine allocation numbers can change daily; allotments by the CDC are made on a day-to-day basis.)
 
Deaths: H1N1 infections have contributed to the reported deaths of 15 Idahoans. Reports of additional deaths are under investigation to determine whether H1N1 is a factor. Health and Welfare will update www.panflu.idaho.gov with the number of reported lab-confirmed 2009 H1N1-associated deaths as those become available.

Hospitalizations: Since Sept. 1, a total of 369 hospitalized persons tested positive for influenza infection.  

The highest number of hospitalizations have been in children less than 10 years of age, who account for 27% of the total H1N1-related hospitalizations. This is highly unusual for influenza infections and supports the importance of immunization of young children to prevent severe H1N1 disease. 
 
Certain health conditions can lead to more severe outcomes and might require hospitalization in those who acquire influenza. Eighty-eight percent of reported patients with hospitalizations related to 2009 H1N1 had an underlying health condition. Common underlying conditions were cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease (including diabetes), asthma, immunosuppressive conditions, and pregnancy.
 
Although reports of illness have begun to decline in some areas, health officials continue to urge people in the target populations to receive the H1N1 vaccine. Flu seasons are unpredictable and generally last through spring. Flu-related illness will likely increase again. It’s not too late for people in the target populations to protect themselves from by getting vaccinated.
 
For more information on H1N1, please visit www.panflu.idaho.gov.