Fear of the Unknown: The Upcoming Flu Season

By: Suma Kallurkar, CIS Senior Compliance Manager
sumakallurkar@cis-partners.com

Every year many people worry about the flu season and faithfully obtain their flu shots in an effort to prevent or minimize illness. This year, however, anxiety over the flu has heightened significantly due to the H1N1 flu (swine flu). In the US, H1N1 flu-related illness (including hospitalizations and deaths) has continued to occur even in this summer season, which is normally flu-free. As children and parents prepare to go back to school, and other adults prepare for back-to-normal schedules at work, there is a great deal of nervousness about the H1N1 flu and the havoc it may create. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has clearly stated concerns that this flu season could be severe due to the H1N1 virus.

A vaccine for the H1N1 virus is currently in production and expected to be available in the fall. This vaccine will not be taken in lieu of the normal seasonal flu vaccine. Rather, folks who want protection against both strains of the flu will have to concurrently undergo both vaccinations. The H1N1 vaccination will probably require 2 doses spaced a few weeks apart, although some health officials are proposing that 3 doses may be required.

As often is the case, concerns exist over the quantity of the vaccine that will be produced and available. Due to the possibility of limited availability, the CDC has made recommendations on those populations that are at higher risk: pregnant women, those who care for children 6 months or younger, healthcare workers, people aged 6 months to 24 years, and people aged 25-64 years who possess health conditions that place them at greater risk of complications from the flu.

The H1N1 flu could significantly impact the workplace and business. Employers are being warned to prepare for longer absences of their employees due to H1N1 flu. No doubt the same applies for many children potentially being absent from school. A greater understanding for such absences is required, as this is what ultimately can prevent the spread of the virus. There is also a renewed emphasis on common sense activities, such as hand-washing, covering one’s mouth/nose when coughing/sneezing, and isolating oneself from contact with others.

I for one never worried about the flu much and never received a flu shot until I became pregnant. Now that I am a mother of a 4 month-old, my perspective on the flu has undoubtedly changed, as I am concerned for the well-being of my son. We all will have to be extra careful this flu season and be willing to do the little tasks, such as hand-washing, that can help prevent the spread of any flu virus. Hopefully, come the end of the flu season, we will have survived with minimal illness.

Sources:
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/acip.htm
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-swine-flu20-2009aug20,0,4256379.story
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aoKnGT96tLng