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Swine Flu (H1N1/09)
The 2009 Pandemic Swine Flu, A-H1N1/09, the Type A influenza virus that was first identified in the early spring of 2009 in Mexico and then spread world wide to become a true Pandemic by June 2009. Different from other current seasonal strains of H1N1, and also not the same Swine Flu from prior epidemics or outbreaks (like in 1976), it is known by many different names in different places and settings, such as: H1N1, Novel H1N1, A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)v-like virus, la grippe porcine, The Mexican Flu, la epidemia, Schweinegrippe, and SOIV (Swine Origin Influenza Virus).
1,816 Questions
Why don't flu shots not prevent the common cold?
A flu shot (or intranasal flu vaccine) are made from INFLUENZA viruses. The shot is the outer shell of the virus (which provides the markers we categorize as 'H' and 'N' types). The intranasal flu vaccine is an ATTENUATED or weakened virus which gives a minor infection giving immunity without illness.
The common cold is generally caused by ADENOVIRUSES or RHINOVIRUSES. These are both different from the influenza virus. In short, they are different pathogens and cause different illnesses.
Can you get the flu vaccination after you have had the flu?
First, to be sure your question is fully answered and understood, the flu vaccinations are for prevention of infection with the exact type of flu that is contained in the vaccine, so if you have already been ill with the flu then there is no need to vaccinate to prevent that same flu, since your immune system will naturally develop immunity to future infections by that same virus from having had the flu without a vaccination.
But, since there are so many different types of flu viruses, and since usually no lab testing is done to determine or confirm the exact strain of virus that has made you ill, then you will still need to get the vaccination for the seasonal flu, which, in most locations of the world, will contain vaccine against the three most prevalent flu viruses circulating at that time. The vaccination will be still needed to protect you from any of those other flu viruses that you have not yet been exposed to.
So, to answer: Yes, you can get the flu vaccination after you have the flu unless you are not fully recovered and still have a fever. It will not hurt you to receive a vaccine for a virus that you have already been exposed to or that has already made you ill. Your immune system will just say, "Been there done that" and go to work on creating immunity to any other viruses in the vaccine that it has not seen before.
Can you be a swine flu carrier if you are being vaccinated?
It is possible to be a carrier of the disease if they recently received Swine Flu and they don't know about it yet. But otherwise the doctors are even trying to vaccinate pregnant women.
FURTHER QUESTION:
I was reading an article by Richard Ruhling, MD, MPH, Washington, DC on the Internet and he stated:
"The flu shot helps spread the flu. The shot contains something called attenuated virus. Attenuated basically means half-killed. The shot has to evoke an immune response and therefore has to have some form of viral activity to it to stimulate that immune response. The theory is to give you a tiny dose of the flu so your body will build immunity to it. Anyone who thinks that they are not contagious after getting a flu shot is woefully mistaken. Most of the package inserts will even tell you that you may exhibit mild flu symptoms for a few days after getting a shot. There are also a percentage of people who receive the shot and get very sick." (From: Leading Cause of Death: Prescription Drugs, by Richard Ruhling, MD, MPH)
Yet there are many voices saying people, especially medical personnel should get the shots so they won't be carriers. Are there any major studies on this question?
How many people get the swine flu each year?
The CDC and World Health Organization (WHO) have estimated that with seasonal flu, "we see over 30 million cases in the United States. We see 200,000 hospitalizations and, on average, 36,000 deaths." (During the entire fall and winter flu season.)
Can you take alcohol after Swine Flu vaccine?
Maybe. Immediately following delivery of a vaccine, your body will be working hard on creating a response and defense to the microbe (such as the H1N1 virus) in the vaccine. For this reason, there is no good reason to add extra strain to your body, and especially the immune system, while they are working to provide your immunity. The major organs and tissues of the immune system are the thymus, liver, bone marrow, tonsils, lymph nodes, spleen, and blood. Alcohol, a substance known to sometimes put a strain on the liver, may be an ingredient in some cough medicines. Use of cough medicine, in the amounts indicated on the medication label, would not be problematic. However, if even this can be avoided, it would be the best way to help your body to do its job of developing defenses to the virus in the swine flu vaccine.
Is it safe to get the pneumonia vaccine if your sick?
Most recommendations are that you should not take flu vaccinations if you have an active infection with fever or other serious symptoms.
If no fever, and symptoms are mild, you could get the vaccination, but since each case is different, it would be best to speak to your doctor who is treating your pneumonia.
You can take the vaccination if you are taking antibiotics, there is no drug interaction problem, but if you still have active pneumonia, ask your doctor's advice about the flu shot. They may suggest that in your case the risk of getting the flu on top of pneumonia at the current stage of your lung infection, would be higher than the risk of an improper immune response to the vaccination and therefore will want you to take the vaccination now.
Susceptible host of Swine Flu?
Yes. An epidemic refers to a disproportionatly large population infected with the same disease. A pandemic is a globally infectious disease that started as an epidemic. The World Health Orginization is currently categorizing this as an epidemic, but plans to upgrage the threat to that of pandemic proportions are coming soon.
How long after having flu symptoms can a person be tested and get a positive result?
This will vary from person to person. Generally, the window period for HIV can be as low as several weeks after infection to up to 6 months after infection.
Can you take Tamiflu for swine flu prophylaxis?
Tamiflu is an antiviral medication that is most effective when taken within 40 hours of the first symptoms to prevent a virus from reproducing. This prevention of the virus's reproduction is accomplished by inhibiting the action of a protein that would otherwise enable the release of new virus particles from the infected person's cells, in which they have developed. Tamiflu is most effective as a treatment, instead of for prophylaxis (prevention of infection).
It does not actually stop the virus from invading your cells in the first place. But it can make your symptoms less severe, and it will make the duration of the viral infection shorter. If started within one day, or under 40 hours at the latest, of the first symptoms, it may even make the symptoms very minor or negligible in some people. This treatment to reduce the severity of symptoms and their duration is the most common reason for prescription of the drug. It is one of the two antiviral drugs that are effective in the treatment of the "Novel" A-H1N1/09 strain of influenza.
It is approved also for use as a prophylactic for people over one year old, when there is known virus in a household or community. If the timing is just right to stop the release of the virus particles that are made from the first cells to be infected by the virus, it can help avoid any flu symptoms and control the reproduction of the virus so that only the minimum number of cells will be invaded. This is how it can be used as a prophylactic aid.
According to the indications and efficacy statements in the Tamiflu patient information,
"In a pooled analysis of two seasonal prophylaxis studies in healthy unvaccinated adults (aged 13 to 65 years), TAMIFLU 75 mg once daily taken for 42 days during a community outbreak reduced the incidence of laboratory-confirmed clinical influenza from 4.8% (25/519) for the placebo group to 1.2% (6/520) for the TAMIFLU group."
The typical incidence rate of A-H1N1/09 in communities where it has been tracked was around 6% without treatment.
How long should you wait to get the flu shot if you just got over the flu?
Most people can get a flu vaccination with mild illnesses as long as they do not have a high fever. However, if you have the flu, you should be resting in bed and not out in public spreading the disease. After you have gone a full 24 hours without a fever (while taking no fever reducing medicines), you are considered no longer contagious, according to the US CDC. If you had an especially difficult bout of the flu with serious complications, you should ask your health care professional when you will be ready for vaccination, but usually only the above guidelines will apply.
Will Tamiflu prevent influenza B?
No, Tamiflu is not very good at preventing the flu, although it can be used that way if started soon enough after symptoms begin. The better way to prevent the flu is with a vaccination. Tamiflu is intended for use to treat the flu and if given within the first 48 hours of infection it can speed the recovery and lessen the severity of the symptoms.
What is route of administration of swine flu vaccine?
If injected it is given in the muscle as an intramuscular injection. It can also be taken as a nasal mist that is sniffed.
No, Theraflu will only suppress the symptoms of it. Tamiflu, a prescription drug, will shorten the duration of the flu and severity of symptoms, but there is currently no cure for this type of viral infection.
Will the H1N1 shot keep you from getting swine flu?
The H1NI vaccine SHOULD keep you safe. Still though, it is possible to contract it even if you have been vaccinated. The good new is that IF you do get it after you have been vaccinated, the symptoms will be very, very mild.
Unfortunately, no. There are no cures for any type of influenza available, only preventive flu vaccinations. Flu is caused by a virus so there is currently no medical cure. There are treatments for the symptoms only. See the related question below for more information about treatment of H1N1/09 Swine Flu.
Currently, there is no cure or vaccine yet for the new strain of swine flu.
In order to prevent the Flu virus , any type including swan flu, You Are suppose to go get the preventing flu shot for the virus. Currently there is no Flu shot for the Swine Flu.
although I did see on the news the the flu shot dose not prevent the swine flu, but good hygiene is mostly the key to keeping safe from he swine flu. try to keep away from friends or family who have visited Mexico because that is where it originated at. so far only one death in the united states from his flu and that was 2 year old kid. Actually There Have Been 150-250 Deaths So Far But You Shouldn't Get Worried About It As It Lowers Your Immune System. go to the doctors if your a little bit ill cos you don't know what it is even if you have a cold as little things build up and you don't know unless you go and you need to know fast, if you do have it be fair and stay in for the other people who don't have it.
Here's A List of preventative measures: Things You Shouldn't Do; Touch Your Eyes Ears Nose And Mouth Get Worried Go Near Relatives Or Friends That Have Been To Mexico Cough And Or Sneeze Without Covering Go Near Large Groups Of People --------------------------------------------------------------- Here are a few things that you should do: -wash you hands often with soap and water -cover your mouth when you cough -keep your distance.... you never know who has swine flu -stay home if you feel as if you might be sick. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Symptoms include fever, headache, chills, body aches, tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, nausea and vomiting. now, they have found two great cures for the swine flu, the person who answered this before me was probably a few weeks ago, but still try to avoid it You cannot get swine flu by eating pigs! they make sure that the pigs you eat dont have swine flu! the ones that do, they dont feed you!
if it is caught late then nothing can be done however if the flu is caught in the early stages then something can be done. if it is caught late then nothing can be done however if the flu is caught in the early stages then something can be done.
What happens if you take the flu shot while sick?
Yes, if you have mild symptoms like the sniffles it is okay to get the vaccine, however, if you have a high fever, you should wait until that is over. If you are under a doctor's care, then ask them if you should wait or get the vaccination.
When you go to get the vaccination, the clinician who will be giving it will ask you about fever or other symptoms and will decide if it would be better to wait. You can call and describe your symptoms to a pharmacist and ask them if you can still get the flu vaccine. See also the related question below about who should not get a flu vaccination (it doesn't matter which strain of flu you are being vaccinated against to follow this advice).
Can antibiotics be taken after flu shot?
It is usually OK to get a flu vaccine when using antibiotics; there is no drug interaction problem.
However, if you are taking antibiotics, then you must have a bacterial infection. If your infection is still acute - and you have ongoing symptoms such as a high fever - you may want to consult your health-care professional to be sure that your body will be able to tolerate the immune response needed to create immunity to the virus while you are also fighting an infection by a different type of organism.
Before receiving the injection the person about to give you the vaccine will ask you a series of questions that will include questions about fever or other infection symptoms, ask this clinician if there is any reason you should not have the injection, given your current condition.
It may depend on why you are taking the antibiotics. If you have a current infection, it is usually better to wait until that is cleared up before taking vaccines. But each situation can be different and this is a question that the doctor who prescribed the antibiotics should be asked to know what is right in your case.
Can a vaccinated person still catch the swine flu?
Only sort of, and only maybe in very specific circumstances. Usually, being "contagious" means you have the disease or infection and can give it to someone else. That won't happen when someone gets a vaccination, because they can't get the flu from the vaccination.
In the US, the vaccine that is injected in a flu shot for H1N1/09 influenza is made from "dead"/inactivated virus particles that can not give anyone the flu. So, you would not get the flu to be able to be contagious after getting that type of vaccination.
The nasal spray vaccine is made from active/"live" viruses, but they are processed to be too weak to cause anyone healthy to get the flu from the vaccine. This is called an attenuated live virus vaccine. If you are healthy and old enough to take the vaccine (over 2), you would also not get the flu from this vaccine, so you would not be contagious.
The exception is when this type of "live" vaccine is given, and someone with a severe immune disorder, that makes them very susceptible to infections, is in very close contact immediately following the vaccination with the person who received the nasal spray. In that specific circumstance, there is a very rare chance that there could be virus that is loose on the person, or able to be sneezed from the nose of the person, so that the virus is passed to the susceptible person. It is not so much that they were contagious, because they didn't have the flu, it is that the virus was loose in the environment or on their body and could then be available for the other person to pick up and infect themselves.
For this reason, people who get the nasal spray vaccine, made with attenuated (weakened) live virus, are warned to wait seven days as a precaution before being in close contact with someone with a severe immune disorder (like those who must be in protective "bubbles", or are on anti-rejection transplant medications, for example).
Can an alcohol free hand sanitizer protect you against swine virus?
Since a virus is not actually a living organism, they can't technically be "killed". However, hand sanitizers have been shown to help prevent the spread of flu by deactivating the viruses that are on your hands and making them harmless.
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i think so... if not, at least my hands are clean.....
A very common way to transfer a virus is to contaminate your hands and then rub your eyes, nose or mouth with it,
so hand sanitizers, and even gloves are a great way at reducing your chances of getting swine flu.
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the real answer is NO! Even soap and water doesn't kill them, but it lifts them off the surface of your hands and rinses them down the drain. Sanitizers spread them around, make your hands smell & look better, and generally do nothing for viruses. They can kill bacteria, but not viruses.
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Your answer can be found in the Center for Disease Control or CDC website.
http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/qa.htm
" What kills influenza virus?
Influenza virus is destroyed by heat (167-212°F [75-100°C]). In addition, several chemical germicides, including chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soap), iodophors (iodine-based antiseptics), and alcohols are effective against human influenza viruses if used in proper concentration for a sufficient length of time.
*What if soap and water are not available and alcohol-based products are not allowed in my facility? Updated on Sept 14
If soap and water are not available and alcohol-based products are not allowed, other hand sanitizers that do not contain alcohol may be useful. "
What care should a patient receive after a lymph node biopsy?
The aftercare is similar to that for any blood test. Usually, pressure is applied to the area for several moments until bleeding stops. If the results are difficult to interpret, it may be necessary to re-test later, after waiting one to three weeks.
Is there any side affects of HIV vaccine?
THE ONLY hepatitis injection that is truly a VACCINE, that I am aware of, is one given for hepatitis B. That is given BEFORE EXPOSURE to prevent you from GETTING HEP B if you are EXPOSED to it. AFTER you are EXPOSED to HEP A or B, the doctor will give you shots of GAMMA GLOBULIN to help fight it off. There are many different types of Gamma Globulin; Gamimune N, Gammagard S/D, Gammar-P, Sandoglobulin, Venoglobulin,. They are given anywhere from as soon as possible to many days after exposure. The possible side effects include pain (or muscle stiffness) at the injection site, headache, nausea, chest pain, fever and tiredness.
Can you buy amoxicillinn over the counter?
== == * I don't think there is anything that will substitute for Amoxicillin over the counter. It is an antibiotic and all antibiotics require a prescription. Not even the herbals claim to be able to cure infection which is what an antibiotic does. * Go to a feed store there are several antibiotics available including Amoxicillin, usually for fish. I had a doctor say it was alright to use them when I couldn't afford the prescription.
What was the disease that gets caught from Mexico?
You may be thinking of the pandemic swine flu A-H1N1/09. See related questions below for more information.
A LOT of places give flu shots. Pharmacies, Instant Care Units in stores like grocery stores, doctor's offices, etc. However, some places may not have a nurse available so you have to be over 18 years of age to get a flu shot there.
Did swine flu affect travel to Mexico?
Yes definately. You'd be crazy to still go there. You'd have to wear a safety mask over your face. Over 100 people have already died in less than a fortnight. Risking the chances of catching a deadly virus for a vacation? I don't think so.
