Questions & Answers

2011-21012 Influenza Season: Disease Activity

What sort of flu season is expected this year?

Flu seasons are unpredictable in a number of ways. Although epidemics of flu happen every year, the timing, severity, and length of the epidemic depends on many factors, including what influenza viruses are spreading and whether they match the viruses in the vaccine.

Will new strains of flu circulate this season?

Flu viruses are constantly changing so it’s not unusual for new flu virus strains to appear each year. For more information about how flu viruses change, visit How the Flu Virus Can Change.

When will flu activity begin and when will it peak?

The timing of flu is very unpredictable and can vary from season to season. Flu activity most commonly peaks in the U.S. in January or February. However, seasonal flu activity can begin as early as October and continue to occur as late as May.

What should I do to prepare for this flu season?

CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older as the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease. While there are many different flu viruses, the flu vaccine is designed to protect against the three main flu strains that research indicates will cause the most illness during the flu season. For information about which viruses this season’s vaccine will protect against visit Vaccine Selection for the 2011–2012 Season. Getting the flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available each year is always a good idea, and the protection you get from vaccination will last throughout the flu season.

How effective is the flu vaccine?

Inactivated influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) can vary from year to year and among different age and risk groups. For more information about vaccine effectiveness, visit How Well Does the Seasonal Flu Vaccine Work?

Will this season’s vaccine be a good match for circulating viruses?

It’s not possible to predict with certainty which flu viruses will predominate during a given season. Flu viruses are constantly changing (called drift) – they can change from one season to the next or they can even change within the course of one flu season. Experts must pick which viruses to include in the vaccine many months in advance in order for vaccine to be produced and delivered on time. (For more information about the vaccine virus selection process visit Selecting the Viruses in the Influenza (Flu) Vaccine.) Because of these factors, there is always the possibility of a less than optimal match between circulating viruses and the viruses in the vaccine.

How do we know if there is a good match between the vaccine viruses and those causing illness?

Over the course of a flu season CDC studies samples of flu viruses circulating during that season to evaluate how close a match there is between viruses in the vaccine and circulating viruses. In addition, CDC conducts vaccine effectiveness studies to determine how well the vaccine protects against illness. However, it’s important to remember that even during seasons when the vaccine is not optimally matched to predominant circulating viruses, CDC and other experts continue to recommend flu vaccine as the best way to protect against the flu.

Can the vaccine provide protection even if the vaccine is not a “good” match?

Yes, antibodies made in response to vaccination with one strain of flu viruses can provide protection against different, but related strains. A less than ideal match may result in reduced vaccine effectiveness against the variant viruses, but it can still provide some protection against influenza illness. In addition, it’s important to remember that the flu vaccine contains three virus strains so that even when there is a less than ideal match or lower effectiveness against one strain, the vaccine may protect against the other two viruses. For these reasons, even during seasons when there is a less than ideal match, CDC continues to recommend flu vaccination. This is particularly important for people at high risk for serious flu complications, and their close contacts.

In what years was there a good match between the vaccine and the circulating viruses?

In recent years the match between the vaccine viruses and those identified during the flu season has usually been good. In 17 of the last 21 U.S. influenza seasons the viruses in the influenza vaccine have been well matched to the predominant circulating viruses. Since 1990, there has only been one season (1997–98) when there was very low cross–reaction between the viruses in the vaccine and the predominate circulating virus, and three seasons (1992–93, 2003–04, and 2007–08) when there was low cross–reaction.

What is CDC doing to monitor vaccine effectiveness for the 2011–2012 season?

CDC carries out and collaborates with other partners within and outside CDC to assess how well flu vaccines work. During the 2011–2012 season, CDC is planning multiple studies on the effectiveness of both the flu shot and the nasal–spray flu vaccine. These studies will measure vaccine effectiveness in preventing laboratory confirmed influenza among persons aged 6 months and older, now that the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recommended annual vaccination for everyone in this age group.

What actions can I take to protect myself and my family against the flu this season?

CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease. While there are many different flu viruses, the flu vaccine protects against the three main flu strains that research indicates will cause the most illness during the flu season. In addition, you can take everyday preventive steps like staying away from sick people and washing your hands to reduce the spread of germs. If you are sick with flu, stay home from work or school to prevent spreading influenza to others.

Where can I find information about vaccine supply?

For information about vaccine supply this season, please visit Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Supply for the U.S. 2011–12 Influenza Season.

Is there treatment for the flu?

Yes. If you get sick, there are drugs that can treat flu illness. They are called antiviral drugs and they can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They also can prevent serious flu–related complications, like pneumonia. For more information about antiviral drugs, visit Treatment (Antiviral Drugs).

What is antiviral resistance?

Antiviral resistance means that a virus has changed in such a way that the antiviral drug is less effective in treating or preventing illness. Samples of viruses collected from around the United States and worldwide are studied to determine if they are resistant to any of the four FDA–approved influenza antiviral drugs.

What is CDC doing to monitor antiviral resistance in the United States during the 2011–12 season?

CDC routinely collects viruses through a domestic and global surveillance system to monitor for changes in influenza viruses. CDC will continue ongoing surveillance and testing of influenza viruses. Additionally, CDC is working with the state public health departments and the World Health Organization to collect additional information on antiviral resistance in the United States and worldwide. The information collected will assist in making informed public health policy recommendations.

[Information Source, Image Source]

By Elizabeth Cohen
CNN Senior Medical Correspondent

(CNN) — Next week, the long-awaited H1N1 vaccine is expected to arrive. At least three of the four vaccine makers have begun shipping their products to undisclosed distribution centers.

There are two types of the vaccine available: the flu shot, an inactivated vaccine containing fragments of killed influenza virus, and a nasal spray, which is made using a weakened live flu virus. The nasal spray will most likely be the first to be widely distributed, however certain groups, including pregnant women, young children and people with compromised immune systems, cannot receive the nasal spray.

So far officials of the National Institutes of Health say that in clinical trials they’ve seen no serious side effects and that study subjects who have been immunized have generated a good response.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the vaccine for certain high-priority groups because they are more likely to have serious complications if they develop swine flu. These groups include: pregnant women; caregivers and household contacts of children younger than 6 months; everyone between the ages of 6 months and 24 years; and people ages 25 to 64 with existing health problems.

Even people who are not in these groups can get the vaccine. But now the vaccine is almost here, the question is, “Do you want it?” We looked through our Empowered Patient inbox and it turns out that many of our readers still have questions. We consulted a team of experts to get their answers, which are edited for brevity and clarity.

When can I expect the H1N1 vaccine to be available where I live?

While the first supplies of the H1N1 vaccine are due out next week, that doesn’t necessarily mean it will be available in your city. Since only 6 million to 7 million doses are expected next week, you might have to look around for it at the beginning. However, federal health authorities have stressed that within the next few months there will be plenty of vaccine to go around; 75 million doses will be produced before the end of the year.

Where can I find the vaccine when it comes out?

Check with your doctor, your children’s school and your local public health department. Right now there’s no central list of locations where swine flu vaccine will be offered, but the Department of Health and Human Services plans on putting information on Flu.gov as soon as possible.

For more answers to questions, continue this story at CNN.com

This flu season more than 2900 Rite Aid pharmacies are offering regular seasonal flu shots and starting September 1, flu shot locations and clinic dates will be available at www.riteaid.com and by calling toll-free 1-866-751-1494.

Many Rite Aid pharmacists have already been giving regular seasonal flu shots following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advice that anyone who wishes to reduce the risk of getting the regular seasonal flu get a flu shot as soon as they are available. More than 2,000 certified immunizing pharmacists in more than 1,500 Rite Aid stores will give regular seasonal flu shots now and throughout the flu season. After locating a Rite Aid store with an immunizing pharmacist at www.riteaid.com or toll-free 1-866-751-1494, customers should call the store to check if appointments are necessary. Rite Aid pharmacists also can counsel customers and answer questions about both the regular seasonal flu and H1N1 flu.

Nurses will be giving regular seasonal flu shots on a first come, first served basis at flu shot clinics in more than 1,800 Rite Aid stores from September 23 through mid-December. Clinic locations will be available September 1 at www.riteaid.com or by calling toll-free 1-866-751-1494.

Regular seasonal flu shots and pneumococcal shots for pneumonia will be offered by Rite Aid pharmacists or at Rite Aid flu clinics. Many insurance plans cover the cost of the shots. Most customers with Medicare will have no co-pay. State regulations vary as to types of immunization that may be given by pharmacists and age requirements.

The two very distinct types of flu this year – the regular seasonal flu and H1N1 flu – will require increased awareness and prevention measures. H1N1 is an entirely different virus which affects groups like young adults who are not typically affected by the regular flu. According to the CDC, the regular seasonal flu vaccination will not protect against H1N1 flu, but the recommendation is for everyone to get a regular seasonal flu shot as soon as possible.

Prevention measures are especially important since the H1N1 vaccine won’t be available until at least mid-October and is expected to be distributed only in limited amounts to high risk groups well into the flu season. The CDC says the single best way to prevent the regular seasonal flu is to get a flu shot, but good health habits like covering your cough, washing your hands often or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and throwing away used tissues immediately can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses including all types of flu.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with diet, exercise, rest and relaxation and avoiding contact with those who have flu symptoms also will be key prevention measures. Additional information about H1N1 flu and other prevention measures is available at www.flu.gov.

Rite Aid is already discussing with federal, state and local health department officials the possibility of securing and administering H1N1 vaccine at our pharmacies. Rite Aid will provide additional information regarding the availability of H1N1 vaccinations as it is received. Customers can regularly check www.riteaid.com for updates.

The CDC recommends that the following groups get vaccinated with the regular seasonal flu shot:

• Anyone who wants to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill with the regular seasonal flu or spreading flu to others
• Pregnant women
• Those age 6 months through age 18; people age 50 and older
• People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions like diabetes; heart, kidney or lung disease; asthma; anemia or other blood disorders
• Those who are immunosuppressed (including immunosuppression caused by medications or by human immunodeficiency virus)
• People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities

People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:

• Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
• Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
• Household contacts and caregivers of children from birth up to age 5

Rite Aid stores are stocked with supplies such as alcohol-based hand sanitizers/hand rubs, thermometers, masks and other flu-related items.

Stores also are stocked with the prescription medications Tamiflu and Relenza for those patients whose doctor has recommended they take one of these medications or should have a prescription ready if they do require the medications.

The CDC is asking individuals and families to be prepared with flu-related supplies in the event of sickness, so they can avoid making trips out in public while sick and contagious. They also are recommending those who are sick to stay out of schools and businesses to avoid spreading the flu.

Symptoms of the regular seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu virus are similar and include fever or chills in addition to a cough or sore throat. Other symptoms are runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness and may include diarrhea and vomiting. Those at higher risk for complications from the flu and experiencing any of these symptoms should contact their physician.

Antiviral medications may be prescribed and are most effective when started within two days of becoming sick. A physician should also be contacted if someone is having difficulty breathing or has shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, severe or persistent vomiting, or flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with a fever or worse cough.