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Updated Flu Guidance From The CDC

 

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The CDC continues to provide updated guidance on their website on the 2009 Pandemic, and the vaccination campaign now just getting underway.   As new information comes in, and is analyzed, the CDC continually updates these documents.

 

The What's New on the H1N1 Flu Site page keeps a running list of additions and changes to the CDC’s guidance documents.

 

New this week are a brochure and a flyer geared for parents, telling them basic information regarding seasonal and H1N1 (Swine) flu for their kids.  Download links (and a screenshot) are below.

 

 

 

 

 

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 15:54:00 EST
BROCHURE: Seasonal and 2009 H1N1 Flu: A Guide for Parents

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 15:48:00 EST
FLYER: Seasonal and 2009 H1N1 Flu: A Guide for Parents

 

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(Page 1 of 2 from CDCs Guide For Parents)

 

 

Next comes an updated Q&A on Vaccines for Health Care Providers and Clinicians.

 

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST
Updated: H1N1 Clinicians Questions and Answers
The age for two doses is different for seasonal (6 months through 8 years) and 2009 H1N1 monovalent vaccine (6 months through 9 years) in the package inserts. Does CDC recommend that clinicians follow the recommendation in the package inserts?Can a person who has received LAIV test positive on a rapid influenza diagnostic test? and more...

 

Followed by a Q&A on vaccines for the general public.  Since the question is often asked about immunity acquired from having had a flu-like illness over the summer, I’ve reproduced that Q&A following the link.

 

 

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST
Updated: 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine
Updated question and answer for "Should I get vaccinated against 2009 H1N1 if I have had flu-like illness since the Spring of 2009?"

Should I get vaccinated against 2009 H1N1 if I have had flu-like illness since the Spring of 2009?

The symptoms of influenza (flu-like illnesses) are similar to those caused by many other viruses. Even when influenza viruses are causing large numbers of people to get sick, other viruses are also causing illnesses. Specific testing, called “RT-PCR test,” is needed in order to tell if an illness is caused by a specific influenza strain or by some other virus. This test is different from rapid flu tests that doctors can do in their offices. Since most people with flu-like illnesses will not be tested with RT-PCR this season, the majority will not know whether they have been infected with 2009 H1N1 flu or a different virus.

 

Therefore, if you were ill but do not know if you had 2009 H1N1 infection, you should get vaccinated, if your doctor recommends it. So, most people recommended for 2009 H1N1 vaccination should be vaccinated with the 2009 H1N1 vaccine regardless of whether they had a flu-like illness earlier in the year. If you have had 2009 H1N1 flu, as confirmed by an RT-PCR test, you should have some immunity against 2009 H1N1 flu and can choose not to get the 2009 H1N1 vaccine. However, vaccination of a person with some existing immunity to the 2009 H1N1 virus will not be harmful. For more information on flu tests, see Influenza Diagnostic Testing During the 2009-2010 Flu Season.

 

Any immunity from 2009 H1N1 influenza infection or vaccination will not provide protection against seasonal influenza. All people who want protection from seasonal flu should still get their seasonal influenza vaccine.

Related Post:

CDC
Influenza
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