H1N1 vaccine available for high-risk groups

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Connor Estes
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  The H1N1 influenza vaccine is now available at the 48th Medical Group for dependents who fall into high-risk groups.

"Patients at high risk include children and young adults from 6 months to 24 years of age," said Maj. Kevin White, 48th Medical Operations Squadron Chief of Allergy and Immunizations.

"Patients of any age with chronic health conditions such as asthma, emphysema, diabetes, heart disease and women who will be pregnant during the flu season are also considered high risk."

Immunization with the H1N1 vaccine is considered the most effective method of preventing or limiting the illness. It's especially important for individuals in high-risk groups to get this vaccine.

What is H1N1 flu virus, and how is it compared to the regular seasonal flu virus?

H1N1 is a mutated influenza virus with symptoms similar to seasonal flu and spreads in the same manner. Like the seasonal flu, it can spread from human to human in the respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes or by touching something, such as a surface or object with flu viruses on it, and then touching the mouth or nose.

While it is spread the same way as seasonal flu, H1N1 spreads more easily and at a faster pace. The number of H1Nl cases seen in just six weeks is the same number of typical flu cases reached in six months.

"If you are sick, you should keep away from others as much as possible to keep them from getting sick," said Maj. Nancy Eastman, 48th MDOS Emergency Services Flight commander.

Maj. Eastman recommends people with flu symptoms stay home for at least 24 hours. Flu symptoms include fever, sore throat, chills, fatigue and sometimes diarrhea and vomiting. Make sure to get plenty of rest and drink clear fluids. Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or arm and wash hands often or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

"The health and safety of our U.S. Air Forces in Europe community is a priority," said Lt. Col. Megan McCormick, USAFE command Public Health officer. "Everyone needs to know vaccination plans are in place and being coordinated at every level. It is expected that supplies will be sufficient so that everyone who wants the vaccine will be able to receive it after those in high-risk groups."

All active duty members at the 48th Fighter Wing are presently being immunized with the H1N1 vaccine.

"We have set up immunizations booths at every commander's call, in work areas and at the base gymnasiums," said Maj. Eastman. "Immunizations are mandatory for all Liberty Warriors."

The base is expected to be 100 percent immunized by Jan. 1.

While H1N1 has gained notoriety because it's new and has spread quickly, people should not panic. The current level of severity is actually mild for the majority of people who catch it, with recovery time being roughly the same as seasonal flu.