Read this article and realize that once again the best laid plans may go awry!
We in the US may not get enough H1N1 vaccine fast enough to give people time to develop immunity soon enough in this pandemic. It takes 6 weeks to develop immunity on average from vaccines. It is known that the strain of H1N1 in the vaccine does produce antibody immunity to the currently circulating H1N1 virus infecting the public. But somehow not enough is being produced fast enough. There are a number of reasons cited in this article which could have been avoided perhaps with better preparation. One manufacturer still has not received FDA clearance to release the vaccine they are making. WHY NOT? One company is producing about half the planned number of doses at present. WHY?
So although I have recommended people consider this vaccine, especially people in high risk groups, there may not be enough vaccine soon enough to help people avoid getting an infection.
Plan B - make sure you know the symptoms of the H1N1 flu. You may wish to have a prescription of Tamiflu pills on hand in case an adult at home becomes sick with H1N1. Ask your doctor firmly for the prescription. Be scrupulous about hand-washing and cleaning hard surfaces anyone coughs or sneezes on.
I continue to see new infections in people every week. The infection still reacts quickly and well to Tamiflu. I have seen some very severe cases with chest infections. There has been one pregnant woman die in this area already and one boy died of spinal meningitis due to H1N1. The overwhelming infections develop quickly in often the first 24 hours.
I am submitting 2 samples per week to the KDHE from people I diagnose with H1N1 by history. These samples are being analyzed quickly with the latest PCR gene technology to identify the virus type and whether any mutations are occurring. The viruses recovered are also being tested for resistance to Tamiflu. I am also reporting weekly the number of new cases of H1N1 I am treating in the practice. This information is vital for us to see how fast or slow this virus is spreading and whether it is mutating.
We in the US may not get enough H1N1 vaccine fast enough to give people time to develop immunity soon enough in this pandemic. It takes 6 weeks to develop immunity on average from vaccines. It is known that the strain of H1N1 in the vaccine does produce antibody immunity to the currently circulating H1N1 virus infecting the public. But somehow not enough is being produced fast enough. There are a number of reasons cited in this article which could have been avoided perhaps with better preparation. One manufacturer still has not received FDA clearance to release the vaccine they are making. WHY NOT? One company is producing about half the planned number of doses at present. WHY?
So although I have recommended people consider this vaccine, especially people in high risk groups, there may not be enough vaccine soon enough to help people avoid getting an infection.
Plan B - make sure you know the symptoms of the H1N1 flu. You may wish to have a prescription of Tamiflu pills on hand in case an adult at home becomes sick with H1N1. Ask your doctor firmly for the prescription. Be scrupulous about hand-washing and cleaning hard surfaces anyone coughs or sneezes on.
I continue to see new infections in people every week. The infection still reacts quickly and well to Tamiflu. I have seen some very severe cases with chest infections. There has been one pregnant woman die in this area already and one boy died of spinal meningitis due to H1N1. The overwhelming infections develop quickly in often the first 24 hours.
I am submitting 2 samples per week to the KDHE from people I diagnose with H1N1 by history. These samples are being analyzed quickly with the latest PCR gene technology to identify the virus type and whether any mutations are occurring. The viruses recovered are also being tested for resistance to Tamiflu. I am also reporting weekly the number of new cases of H1N1 I am treating in the practice. This information is vital for us to see how fast or slow this virus is spreading and whether it is mutating.
Sadly, although I was the first physician in Liberal to sign up to receive H1N1 vaccine, I have only received 10 shots and they are gone. Public Health is distributing the vaccine as it slowly arrives and they have targeted high risk groups to receive it first which is the best way to use our very limited supplies.
I am resisting blaming any group for this huge error in planning but I know you know who is responsible.
drBob
Comments