Pandemic Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu)

July 29, 2009

Q:  What can I do to prepare my organization for an outbreak of H1N1?

A.  Update or develop a Business Continuity Plan to ensure essential functions are covered if H1N1 impacts your community, organization, employees, volunteer and partners. Plan to operate your organization if there is significant absenteeism. Think about actions to take to assure continuity of operations with reduced staff and volunteers. Cross-training, telephonic and electronic options may help you remain resilient in the face of a community outbreak. Sample Business Continuity Plans are on the Knowledge Café or http://online.unitedway.org/crisis.

Q:  What should I expect if H1N1 becomes widespread in my community?

A.  You should expect an increase in demands on your services. 2-1-1 information and referral specialists are likely to experience a surge in calls from individuals and families during a community outbreak. Coordinate now with local and state health departments. Make them aware of your services and have agreements in place to enable you to provide reliable, up-to-date information for your community. Families where the bread-winners are forced to remain home because they are sick, their child is sick or they work in industries that are highly-vulnerable to transmitting the virus may struggle to make ends meet and become forced to rely on the generosity of others. Prepare for an uptick in requests for emergency food, shelter and other resources.

 Q. Are there ways to prevent the spread of illness?

A. Take everyday actions to stay healthy.

ˇ         Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

ˇ         Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.

ˇ         Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

ˇ         Stay home and limit contact with others if you get sick.

ˇ         Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.

Q:  Who is most at risk?

A.  H1N1 has disproportionately affected young healthy persons.  Most troubling is that contracting the H1N1 virus while pregnant can cause severe and life-threatening disease.  Data suggests pregnancy may put women at greater risk of developing complications from the pandemic H1N1 flu.  The CDC and the WHO urge public health providers treating pregnant women with flu-like symptoms to immediately begin appropriate antiviral therapy. 

Q. What are the plans for developing the H1N1 vaccine?

A. Vaccines are the most powerful public health tool for control of influenza.  Governments across the globe are working with manufacturers to take steps in the process to manufacture a H1N1 vaccine. Working together with scientists in the public and private sector, CDC has isolated the new H1N1 virus and modified the virus so that it can be used to make hundreds of millions of doses of vaccine. Vaccine manufacturers are now using these materials to begin vaccine production. Making vaccine is a multi-step process which takes several months to complete.  Candidate vaccines will be tested in clinical trials over the few months.  Australia is already engaged in human clinical trials.  

Q. Will the seasonal flu vaccine also protect against the H1N1 flu and can they be given at the same time?

A. Seasonal flu vaccine will not protect against H1N1.  Clinical trial results will be necessary to confirm that H1N1 and seasonal vaccine will be safe and effective if given at the same time.

Q. Who will be recommended as priority groups to receive the H1N1 vaccine?

A. Based on current data, communities, and health care providers should begin planning strategies for how they will vaccinate younger people (children and younger adults), pregnant women, healthcare personnel, and people who have underlying health conditions. It is possible that vaccine priority groups will differ from earlier guidance as more data becomes available.

Q. When and where will the vaccine be available?

A.  The H1N1 vaccine is expected to be available within the next couple of months.  Early estimates indicate the vaccine may be available by mid-to-late October.  The vaccine will be available in a combination of settings such as vaccination clinics organized by local health departments, healthcare provider offices, schools, and other private settings, such as pharmacies and workplaces.

Q. What about the use of antivirals to treat novel H1N1 infection?

A. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaled powder) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. If supplies are limited, antivirals may be prioritized for persons with severe illness or those at higher risk for flu complications.

More information about H1N1 and additional crisis materials can be found at http://online.unitedway.org/crisis.