H1N1 Update

What is in the H1N1 vaccines?
Back in June, when manufacture of the H1N1 vaccine was being discussed, there was some concern that it might contain adjuvants (substances that increase immune response, and may be toxic to some people); or the mercury-based preservative thimoserol, which has been removed from nearly all routine vaccinations for children. The vaccine manufacturers all made the decision to omit adjuvants. There are three forms of vaccine being manufactured—a nasal form, a single dose injection, and a multi-dose vial. Unfortunately there is thimoserol in the multi-dose vials of the H1N1 vaccine. I am recommending the nasal form of the vaccine and the single-dose injection, but because of the thimoserol, I am not recommending vaccination from the multi-dose vials at this time.

Who is at risk for H1N1 flu?
The H1N1 flu virus (swine flu) is different from the seasonal flu–seasonal flu tends to attack the very young and the elderly. H1N1 attacks pregnant women and children. According to an October 20 CDC meeting, more than half of the hospitalizations from 2009 H1N1 flu reported by 27 states from September 1st and October 10th were people age 24 and younger. About 23 percent of the deaths reported from 28 states during this period were in this age group. In addition, about 90 percent of the hospitalizations and deaths from the 2009 H1N1 flu are in people age 64 and younger. We have already had one death of a 14 year old in the Chicago area.

Who needs to get vaccinated?
First, it is really important to deal with fears about H1N1 vaccination, and to state once again that two forms of it–the nasal form, and the single dose injectable form, are safe, and contain no mercury preservatives or adjuvants. (It is grown on eggs, so people with egg allergies should consult their doctor about getting the vaccine. Some batches of the vaccine being prepared by Novartis will not include eggs in their production, but will use a cell-culture process that does not use eggs in any step of the process.

That said, here are the people most in need of vaccination, according to the CDC:

Pregnant women, Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age (the vaccine is not recommended for children under 6 months, so vaccinating household members helps to protect them), Healthcare and emergency personnel, All people from 6 months through 24 years of age. For more information see H1N1 Flu Information

What are the signs that a person with the flu needs emergency medical care?
Difficulty breathing or chest pain; purple or blue discoloration of the lips; vomiting and inability to keep fluids down; signs of dehydration such as dizziness when standing; absence of urination; or in infants, no tears when they cry; seizures.

What about prevention and natural remedies?
Vaccination is not the only answer! Prevention and a strong immune system are equally important, especially since there is a shortage of the vaccines. Frequent hand washing or using hand sanitizers (two good, nontoxic hand cleaners are CleanWell and Clean George are both available online); keeping hands away from eyes and nose; not sharing food or drinks; and keeping surfaces like computer keyboards clean, and staying home if you get sick are still some of the most important forms of prevention. . Building immunity is crucial. There is no “quick fix” for the immune system. The best immune strengtheners are proper diet (whole foods, avoid processed foods as much as possible, no high fructose corn syrup, food dyes or additives); exercise, sleep, and de-stressing activities. The supplement N-acetyl cysteine has also been studied as a flu preventive.

Natural flu remedies: elderberry, oscillococcinum, and Chinese herbs (consult your practitioner) are some of the best known natural flu remedies.

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