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Novel H1N1 Influenza

Public health officials are continuing to gather information about the novel H1N1 influenza virus.

What is novel H1N1 influenza?

Novel H1N1 influenza is a strain of influenza that typically infects pigs. It is different from annual influenza strains and from the avian, or bird, flu strains that have been in the news over the last few years. Strains from animals rarely infect humans; however, in the case of both the current outbreak and the recent avian flu outbreaks, the animal strains changed enough that they could infect humans. Infections in humans typically result from direct contact with infected animals; however, in the current outbreak, the virus is capable of spreading from person to person.

How does it spread?

Transmission from human to human is believed to occur through droplets in the air, such as from coughing and sneezing.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of infection are similar to those of annual influenza and can include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, coughing, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Will the yearly influenza vaccine protect against the novel H1N1?

The annual influenza vaccine is not likely to offer any protection because the H1N1 strain is sufficiently distinct from the strains in the seasonal vaccine.

Who should get the H1N1 vaccine?

Currently, there are limited quantities of the H1N1 vaccine, so those at highest risk of suffering severe disease should be vaccinated. These groups include:

• Pregnant women
• People between 6 months and 24 years of age
• Healthcare and emergency services personnel
• People between 25 years and 64 years with chronic conditions (like heart, lung, or kidney problems) or who are immune compromised

 What else can I do to protect myself?

You can protect yourself in the same ways that you protect yourself from other infections:

• Wash your hands frequently
• Try to stay away from others who are ill
• Avoid touching your mouth, eyes or nose

Likewise, if you are ill, stay home and avoid contact with others. If you have a fever, stay home until at least 24 hours after the fever is gone. If you think you may have been exposed to someone with influenza and are feeling ill, call your doctor. The current H1N1 strain seems to respond to some antiviral medications.

To stay up to date or learn more, visit the CDC’s Web site.

Where can I get the H1N1 vaccine for myself and my family?

Quantities of the H1N1 vaccine are currently limited. At this time the vaccine is being distributed only to people in one of the high-risk categories mentioned previously.

Distribution of this vaccine is different from that of seasonal influenza vaccine because the federal government purchased the vaccine. That means that providers cannot simply order it from the manufacturers or distributors as they would the seasonal influenza vaccine. The federal government has determined that the vaccine will be distributed through state health departments; therefore, each state will be in charge of distributing the vaccine and will make individual decisions regarding who can get these early doses (based on what is happening at the local level). For example, some health departments are currently focusing their efforts on healthcare workers, and others on children. Some will be distributing vaccine in the schools in order to streamline the process of immunizing a large percentage of children. The best way to find out when and where you can get the H1N1 vaccine is to check with your provider or your local health department.

The good news is that there are expected to be about 200 million doses of the H1N1 vaccine. So once larger quantities are available, anyone who wants to get the vaccine should be able to get it.

What if I can only get an H1N1 vaccine that contains thimerosal?

Because the thimerosal-free version of the H1N1 vaccine is limited in quantity, some people, including pregnant women and children, may be confronted with the option of getting a vaccine that contains the preservative thimerosal or not getting any vaccine.

Many studies have shown that the amount of thimerosal contained in vaccines does not cause harm (to learn more download the sheet titled, "Thimerosal: What you should know"). In addition, early information about the H1N1 virus has shown that certain people, including pregnant women and children, are at increased risk of suffering severe complications and possibly death from their infections. Therefore, getting a thimerosal-containing vaccine is a safer choice than leaving yourself unprotected and possibly getting the disease.

What is squalene?

Squalene is a natural product that is an important intermediate in the synthesis of cholesterol, so it's present in all of our bodies.  Squalene is also present in foods that contain light oils, like prepackaged cookies.

Squalene is used in vaccines as an adjuvant to enhance the immune response to certain vaccines. Adjuvants allow for lesser quantities of vaccines and fewer doses, and are used in several vaccines. In the United States, squalene is used as an adjuvant only in the anthrax vaccine, but in Europe, squalene has been used for a number of years in several different vaccines. Not surprisingly, because it is a natural product, squalene has an excellent record of safety.

Is squalene in the H1N1 vaccine?

No. H1N1 vaccines currently being used in the U.S. do not contain squalene or any other adjuvants.

Updated: November 19, 2009