H1N1 flu (also referred to as "pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus" or “swine flu”) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. Most people who have become ill with this new virus have recovered without requiring medical treatment.

The symptoms of H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include prolonged fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.A flu vaccine is the single best way to protect against influenza illness. This season, there is a seasonal flu vaccine to protect against seasonal flu viruses and a 2009 H1N1 vaccine to protect against the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. It is important to understand that the seasonal flu vaccine is not expected to protect against the 2009 H1N1 flu.

• The 2009 H1N1 nasal spray flu vaccine — a vaccine made with live, weakened viruses that do not cause the flu (sometimes called "live attenuated influenza vaccine"). The indications for who can get the 2009 H1N1 nasal spray vaccine are the same as for seasonal nasal spray vaccine. The nasal spray vaccine is approved for use in healthy people 2 years to 49 years of age who are not pregnant. The 2009 H1N1 nasal spray vaccine is being made in the same way as the seasonal nasal spray vaccine.
• A 2009 H1N1 "flu shot" — an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. The indications for who can get the 2009 H1N1 flu shot are the same as for seasonal flu shots. The flu shot is approved for use in people 6 months of age and older, including healthy people, people with chronic medical conditions and pregnant women. The same manufacturers who produce seasonal flu shots are producing 2009 H1N1 flu shots for use in the United States this season. The 2009 H1N1 flu shot is being made in the same way that the seasonal flu shot is made.

About 2 weeks after vaccination, antibodies that provide protection against 2009 H1N1 influenza virus infection will develop in the body.

First supplies of the H1N1 flu vaccine are estimated to arrive in mid-October at Door County Public Heath Department, Door County Memorial Hospital and doctor's offices. The initial delivery of H1N1 vaccine is expected to be relatively small, and in nasal spray form. Additional larger batches of vaccine, the majority of which will be in injection form, are scheduled to arrive by the end of October.

The Center for Disease Control recommends that vaccination efforts should focus first on people in five target groups who are at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 influenza or related complications, are likely to come in contact with influenza viruses as part of their occupation and could transmit influenza viruses to others in medical care settings, or are close contacts of infants younger than 6 months (who are too young to be vaccinated).
Those five target groups include:

• pregnant women
• people who live with or provide care for infants younger than 6 months (e.g., parents, siblings, and day care providers),
• health care and emergency medical services personnel,
• people 6 months through 24 years of age,
• people 25 years through 64 years of age who have certain medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications.

Because nasal spray flu vaccine contains "live" virus it is not approved for:

•  pregnant women,
•  people with chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems,
•  people with a history of asthma or active wheezing.

H1N1 vaccine injections (flu shots), which contain "killed" virus, can be given to all those in the priority groups for H1N1 vaccine. These doses are expected to arrive later this month. Residents who do not fall into any of the priority groups should be able to get the H1N1 vaccine later this fall.

Julie Pinney, RN, Infection Control Nurse at DCMH reports, "While the nasal spray flu vaccine may not be appropriate for everyone, we especially encourage eligible, school-aged children to receive this form of H1N1 vaccine.  Later this month, Public Health Department will begin providing H1N1 vaccine during scheduled clinics within Sturgeon Bay and throughout the county.   Door County Memorial Hospital, working within close coordination with the Public Health Department, will also be offering H1N1 vaccine through North Shore Medical Clinic in Sturgeon Bay, Fish Creek and Algoma. 

Influenza, including H1N1 flu, is a highly contagious illness that is rapidly spread from person-to-person through uncovered coughs and sneezes. The virus may also be spread by touching an infected object or another person's hand with the flu virus on it, and then touching one's mouth, nose or eyes. People infected with flu can spread the virus to others one day before symptoms appear, and up to five days after showing signs of illness.

"It is vital that residents of Door County do everything they can to protect their health and the health of their loved ones and community. This is best done through getting vaccinated against the flu, and practicing good, basic hygiene," said Julie. "This includes washing your hands often; covering your nose and mouth with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze; avoiding touching your mouth, nose and eyes; and staying home if you are sick or keeping your child home if he or she is sick."