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H1N1 - First Responders and the New Flu

Most of you are First Responders and are around people a lot. Medics and firemen are often around very sick people as they are usually the first in line for triaging a sick patient. So this season of Flues are causing quite a scare and chaos as the H1N1 Flu is the primary worry this fall. Altho the USA and CANADA are producing vaccines for this, its still uncertain as this vaccine hasn’t really had time to prove its self. This spring at a EMS Symposium there was a lot of hush hush chats about this. Face it, there is a underline panic among people right now. I have had a few parents actually say they MIGHT keep their child home if it breaks because they fear the vaccine wont be safe and might kill rather then save…so to avoid the needle and the H1N1 they are planning to keep their child home. I think with many scares like this, panic only makes it worse. Information is ALWAYS the best way to subdue fear of unknown. I think its up to the medical world to promote information and how to practice clean living. Hand Sanitizers, reg hand washing, mouth covered with sleeve or tissue is the best was to contain sneezing and coughing. I do believe the vaccine will help and prevent the spread or slow it down at least. I found a few exerts from some write ups to show as well……
1. What can I do to protect myself from infection?
· Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, or use hand sanitizer
· Cough and sneeze in your arm or sleeve
· Keep doing what you normally do, but stay home if sick
· Check local flu advisories and web site for updated info
· When traveling check local areas for infection and flu control
· Talk to a health professional if you experience severe flu-like symptoms

2. Should pregnant women take special precautions to protect themselves, such as avoiding crowds?
It's important that people continue their daily lives during the pandemic. PHAC doesn't recommend that pregnant women avoid going to work, or community social events if they are healthy. In other crowded situations that cannot be avoided, extra precautions should be taken such as frequent handwashing, to avoid picking up the virus. Pregnant women might consider carrying hand sanitizer for the same purpose.
1. Are there drugs that can treat H1N1 Flu Virus?
Yes. Early research indicates that there are two prescription antiviral drugs, oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) that are effective in treating the H1N1 Flu Virus.
2. What are PHAC's recommendations for the use of antivirals?
PHAC's recommendation is that antivirals be used to treat H1N1 Flu Virus when the illness is moderate to severe and the patient is at a great risk for complications. PHAC is not recommending that antivirals be given for a mild disease or on a preventive basis at this time. The reasons for this are:
· We do not have sufficient information to suggest that this influenza virus requires the use of antivirals. Most patients in Canada and the USA are recovering well on their own.
· There is a risk that the virus could be resistant to antiviral treatment if antivirals are overused to treat mild illness.
· The antiviral stockpile is a finite resource. We want to be sure not to run out before they are really needed.
Q3. How are antiviral medications made available if needed?
Antiviral medications are prescription drugs. They may be obtained from a pharmacy with a regular prescription.
Q4. What is the difference between an antiviral and a vaccine?
Antivirals are drugs used for the prevention and early treatment of influenza. If taken shortly after getting sick (within 48 hours), they can reduce influenza symptoms, shorten the length of illness and potentially reduce the serious complications of influenza.
Antivirals work by reducing the ability of the virus to reproduce but do not provide immunity against the virus. The H1N1 Flu Virus can be treated with two different antivirals, oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza).
A vaccine is any preparation intended to produce immunity to a disease by stimulating the production of antibodies. Vaccines are the primary means to prevent illness and death from influenza. They stimulate the production of antibodies against the flu virus components included in the vaccine, providing immunity against the virus.
In order to provide the best protection, a vaccine must be tailored to fight off specific strains of influenza.
Q5. I got my flu shot this year. Will it protect me against H1N1 Flu Virus ?
It is unlikely that the seasonal flu shot will provide protection against H1N1 Flu Virus . The flu shot will protect against the seasonal flu. A new pandemic vaccine will be available
Q6. Should we take any extra measures like wearing surgical masks to avoid catching H1N1 Flu Virus?
Yes you should continue to take normal precautions to protect themselves as they would from a regular flu. While we are investigating to learn more about how this virus spreads, our best advice is for everyone to wash their hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home when ill.
It has been recommended to not wear masks. Evidence shows that this is not effective in preventing transmission of influenza in the general public. People often use masks incorrectly, or contaminate themselves when putting masks on and taking them off, which could actually increase the risk of infection.
The exception is people who are ill with H1N1 Flu Virus or people who are exhibiting flu-like symptoms. In order to protect those in close contact, like doctors, nurses, and caregivers at home, these people may be asked to wear a face mask.

This info is obtained from a Canadian site but is very similar to what the American sites are issuing as well.

I was reading a article from a Fire Dept in Ohio which now responds to all medical calls with Mask, Goggles and Gloves (gloves always should be) and might even wear gowns if patient is hinting at H1N1. Their theory is if the First Response is all out sick, who will care for those calling for help….good point guys!
US Orders More H1N1 Flu Vaccine
Swine Flu Shots Coming In October
WASHINGTON -- U.S. health officials have ordered more swine flu vaccine -- bringing the nation's eventual total to 251 million doses.
The government on Monday ordered an extra 27.3 million doses from Sanofi Pasteur of France, which produces flu shots at its Swiftwater, Pa., factory. It also ordered 29 million more doses of the nasal-spray version of swine flu vaccine, MedImmune LLC's FluMist.
The news came as health officials announced Monday that while people 10 and older are protected by one dose of swine flu vaccine, children 9 and younger almost certainly will need two.
What Are The Symptoms?
Swine flu symptoims include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people also get a runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
Preventing The Spread
Doctors say the best way to prevent the spread of swine flu are to follow basic hygiene. Stay away from people who are ill, avoid contact when you can, wash your hands or use antibacterial lotion frequently and try not to put your hands near your face or mouth.
Treating Swine Flu
Products such as Tamiflu or Relenza can help easy symptoms, but they must be taken within 48 hours of getting the disease. Some over-the-counter medications can ease symptoms.

If you want to follow the Flu trail check out this site : http://flutracker.rhizalabs.com/

Don’t panic, lets get through this season and learn. Be safe, Be clean and BE CARFUL!

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Helen (Firebug) on September 26, 2009 at 12:48pm: I know they dont recommend face mask, but if properly worn during contact with patients who are H1N1 infected, I personally cant see being a little more careful then not....; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by George Wells Hanson on September 28, 2009 at 9:00am: I'm a little older than I would like to admit, but the up-side is that I was around for the flu epidemic of 1976. It was well understood, even then, that masks were useless in preventing infection because they didn't help at all in 1918, and because the virus is so much tinier than the openings in the mask. I have heard it said, though, that the masks will trap tiny sneezed or coughed-up droplets floating in the air that are loaded with viruses, and that sounds reasonable, so perhaps masks will help to that degree. It was also well understood that washing your hands with soap and water did almost no good, again because the viruses are so small that they don't get washed away. However, there was a scientific study conducted twenty-some years ago which I read, and which concluded that 97% of all colds and flu are contracted by putting our hands and fingers to our mouths, nose, and eyes. Ninety-seven percent means that virtually ALL cases are contracted that way. This knowledge has served me well since then. By considering my hands to be contaminated with cold and flu viruses at ALL times during the colds and flu season, and thus keeping them away from my face, I have reduced colds to about 1 every three years. I have had many experiences where I am surrounded with sick people and sick co-workers, and I avoided becoming sick. It seems to be understood that alcohol based hand sanitizers work against flu too. So building on the knowledge of history, science, and experience, I suggest that using hand sanitizer, and diligently keeping your hands out of your face, will be your most effective strategies to avoiding the flu. And maybe wearing a face mask will help remind you to keep your hands away.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Bob on September 28, 2009 at 1:26pm: So folks, do you really want the following list of ingredients injected into your kids or yourself? Not I.................................

* aluminum hydroxide* aluminum phosphate* ammonium sulfate* amphotericin B
* animal tissues: pig blood, horse blood, rabbit brain, dog kidney, monkey kidney,
* chick embryo, chicken egg, duck egg* calf (bovine) serum* betapropiolactone
* fetal bovine serum* formaldehyde* formalin* gelatin* glycerol
* human diploid cells (originating from human aborted fetal tissue)
* hydrolized gelatin* mercury thimerosol (thimerosal, Merthiolate(r))
* monosodium glutamate (MSG)* neomycin* neomycin sulfate* phenol red indicator
* phenoxyethanol (antifreeze)* potassium diphosphate* potassium monophosphate
* polymyxin B* polysorbate 20* polysorbate 80
* porcine (pig) pancreatic hydrolysate of casein* residual MRC5 proteins* sorbitol
* tri(n)butylphosphate,
* squalene
* VERO cells, a continuous line of monkey kidney cells, and
* washed sheep red blood; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Helen (Firebug) on September 29, 2009 at 11:52am: well....its kept me alive and with my asthma the one yr I didnt get the shot I almost died in the ER room but havent had a episode since or before and always had the flu vaccine........I personally will continue to inject myself and family with this combination AS it seems less harmful then the flu....which was pointed out that the reg flu alone kills many! Thanks for your response....it was VERY interesting and informative and should be out there for ppl to know and make a more conscience decision. :); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Tony Thomas on September 29, 2009 at 8:16am: Great article and most parts of it is true, however, as a medic and dealing with blood pathogens on a daily basis, this is the least of my worries. I'm not saying we shouldn't be careful and we definitely are, I'm just saying, in the grand scheme of things, more people die from the regular flu. So, practicing sanitary behavior should be a given in our profession and in life in general.

Hey Bob, I checked those ingredients out as well and I think I'll take my chances and skip the shot. LOL!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Helen (Firebug) on September 29, 2009 at 11:53am: Thanks for your responses and replies guys....most interesting and this topic should be discussed as many are worried and panicked.....education is what settles fears..; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Chuck on October 22, 2009 at 7:49am: Fema offers an online course for COOP with an H1N1 pandemic, IS-520 is the course number it is under the independant study section. good content. Prepare now!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by FyreWebmaster on October 22, 2009 at 6:37pm: Cool idea. Thanks Chuck!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Chuck on October 22, 2009 at 6:41pm: http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/is520.asp; ▶ Reply to This

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