Swine Flu Spreading Faster Than Anticipated

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By: Admin on 2009-09-15
WFMZ.com

It’s the day health officials have been waiting for. The Food and Drug Administration has approved the new swine flu vaccine. Officials hope the first limited supplies will be ready early next month. They say the bulk of the vaccine will start arriving October 15.  Eventually there will be enough to go around for everyone.
 
But before that happens officials are urging certain people.. like children and those with underlying medical conditions to get the shot first. That vaccine is made by four companies including Monroe County based Sanofi Pasteur.

As health officials wait for that vaccine they say the H1N1 virus is spreading faster than anticipated.  That is creating even more of an urgency for the vaccine.  WFMZ’s Joscelyn Moes talked with a local doctor.

>> The symptoms are similar to those of season flu.. and doctors say.. so is prevention. 

>> REPORTER: Now that the Food and Drug Administration has approved the swine flu vaccine.. the push to get it out to the public.. is approaching. 

>> MOS: Are you planning on getting it? If my doctor suggests it I will get it. 

>> MOS: Why take a chance. 

>> DR. JEFFREY JAHRE: Those priority groups are anyone between the ages of 6 months and 24 years of age, anyone who’s a health care worker, anyone who has contact with a child that’s 6 months of age or less. 

>> REPORTER: Federal health care officials say the H1N1 virus is spreading faster than previously thought. And while doctors *had* been advising swine flu patients to avoid contact for a day after the fever goes away.. a new study suggests patients need to be careful for as long as a week after the fever breaks. 

>> DR. JEFFREY JAHRE: The one thing that we know about the swine flu is that it appears to be more transmissible that seasonal influenza. 

>> REPORTER: If you’re experiencing symptoms doctors say it may be tempting to reach for something like Tamiflu but they advise against it because of possible side effects. 

>> DR. JEFFREY JAHRE: We do not .. and I want to repeat we do not recommend that the average person who has no underlying health problems and who does not have a complicated form of swine influenza take any medication such as Tamiflu. 

>> REPORTER: While swine flu continues to spread.. seasonal flu hasn’t even hit yet. Doctors say pretty soon we’ll be dealing with both. 

>> Doctors suggest getting both the season flu and swine flu vaccines. They also say keep in mind common sense tips like washing your hands, covering your mouth or nose when you sneeze, and if you’re sick stay home.

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