Federal officials urged against panic last week and asked
for patience and understanding as the government works to distribute H1N1
vaccines and contain the spread of the virus. Here we answer some common
questions about the H1N1 virus and the government’s response to the outbreak.
Q. I hear the flu is at its peak right now. Is that true?
Does that mean the outbreak is almost over?
A. Studies have predicted that the H1N1 peak would occur
around this time, but Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius
warns that it may be “overly optimistic” to assume that the virus
will peak and then be gone shortly after. Sebelius cites what happened last
spring, when the virus didn’t entirely disappear after its peak.
Q. Why are there fewer doses of the vaccine than had been
originally estimated?
A. To make a vaccine, scientists first have to grow the
virus in labs. Some viruses grow slower than others. A slow-growing virus can
delay vaccine manufacturing time, as was the case with the H1N1 virus. There
were also some glitches in the production lines that slowed the rate that
manufacturers could package and release the vaccine. Sebelius says these issues
have been resolved.
Q. I heard that the U.S. is donating 10 percent of vaccines
to developing countries. Why are we doing this when we don’t have enough for
the people in this country?
A. The H1N1 virus has impacted the entire world and
officials want to contain its spread as much as possible. The U.S. joined with
11 other countries to commit to send vaccines to developing countries. But
Sebelius says, “at this point, the priority is getting the vaccine to
citizens in this country.”
Q. What can I do to protect myself against the flu if I
can’t find or can’t get to a vaccine site?
A. Officials still suggest that everyone follow the flu
safety guidelines, which include covering your mouth when you cough, frequently
washing your hands, and staying home if you feel sick. If you want
pharmaceutical protection, you can take an antiviral like Tamiflu or Relenza.
Antivirals are not as effective as the vaccine and require a doctor’s
prescription.
Q. Since the vaccine is new, is it safe?
A. The vaccine has been approved by the Food and Drug
Administration and has been tested by the National Institutes of Health. H1N1
is a strain of the flu, and the vaccine for it is produced in the same way that
the vaccine for the seasonal flu is produced. The H1N1 vaccine is expected to
be as safe as the seasonal flu vaccine.
Q. Can I get H1N1, or ‘swine flu,’ from eating pork?
A. No, the virus is not spread through food.
Q. I feel somewhat sick, but I’m not sure if it’s serious
enough to be H1N1. How can I tell, without going to the doctor?
A. The federal government has created a Web-based test that
might help you decide if you should see a doctor. http://www.flu.gov/evaluation/
Via McClatchy-Tribune News Service.
