For Immediate Release

October 9, 2009             

Contact:           Vicki L. Duey, Four Corners Health Department

                           402-362-2621, toll free 877-337-3573

What are 4 key facts to know about 2009 H1N1?

“There is so much information being shared about the 2009 H1N1 flu”, said Vicki L. Duey, Executive Director of Four Corners Health Department,” I would like to highlight four key points today.”

1.  2009 H1N1 is a new strain of influenza (the flu) that was recognized through public health surveillance at the beginning of 2009.

2. When a new strain of flu is first identified it often hits the younger population harder than elders.  2009 H1N1 exemplifies that.  During the week ending September 26th, 2009 there were 11 influenza associated deaths of children under the age of 18 in the United States. 

In the Four Corners District we have had numerous absences from schools by children with the symptoms of the flu.  Some schools have had over 20% of the children in one building out of school.  This is before the beginning of the regular flu season. 

3.  There have been many questions about the safety of the 2009 H1N1 vaccine. Clinical trials conducted by the National Institutes of Health and the vaccine manufacturers have shown that the new H1N1 vaccine is both safe and effective.  The FDA has licensed it.  There have been no safety shortcuts.

It is produced exactly the same way the seasonal flu vaccine is produced every year.  It is simply a new virus strain.  In fact, had H1N1 struck this country earlier than this spring, the H1N1 strain probably would have been included as part of this year’s seasonal flu shot.

4.  It is strongly recommended that pregnant women receive the H1N1 flu shot as soon as it is available in addition to the seasonal flu shot.