A 10-year-old boy receives the H1N1 vaccine in the vaccine's nasal spray form. (Photo Courtesy of MedImmune)
Fighting the New Flu
Schools are on the front lines with a vaccine to help stop the spread of H1N1
Flu season has begun—and this year there’s a new bug in town. Along with the familiar wintertime flu, the United States is fighting a new virus, the H1N1 flu. In an effort to halt its spread, a new vaccine will be offered to many children right in their schools. Students in some states have already received the H1N1 vaccine at school.
H1N1 is similar to the seasonal flu that makes many people sick every winter. It may cause a sore throat, runny nose, headache, fever, cough, and fatigue, or tiredness. Most people who get H1N1 feel better after a few days. As with seasonal flu, a small number get sick enough to be hospitalized. A few patients have died from the illness.
The Battle Against H1N1
The H1N1 virus first appeared in Mexico in April. It spread quickly to the U.S. and other countries. The rapid spread sparked fears of an epidemic, or widespread outbreak. Government and heath officials around the globe have taken major steps to halt the spread of the disease.
The new vaccine is a key piece of the plan to stop the spread of H1N1. "Flu vaccine is our best tool to protect against the flu," says Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The CDC believes that children are among those who will benefit most from the vaccine. That’s because unlike seasonal flu, which is most dangerous to people over 65, H1N1 has spread rapidly among young people.
Getting the Vaccine
Most states plan to give vaccines in schools. Schoolchildren in Ohio, Arkansas, Virginia, and New York have already received the vaccine. Every state is also setting up centers where people can go for the vaccine.
The vaccine comes in two forms: a nasal, or nose, spray and an injectable form, or one that is given as a shot. The nasal spray was released first, and this is the form schools have so far been giving kids.
Don’t Forget to Wash Your Hands!
Doctors and public health officials also stress simple steps everyone can take to prevent illness. Here’s what you can do to help stay healthy and avoid spreading germs:
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or sneeze into the bend of your arm.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 30 seconds. (Sing “Happy Birthday” through twice if you don’t want to count!)
- Don’t share drinking glasses, dishes, or eating utensils like forks.
- Try to not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with your hands.
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Print a Flu Prevention Tip Sheet in color or black and white. For K-8 students who miss school due to illness, Stay Smart! School Continuation Plan. |
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