Swine Flu Vaccine to Combat Pandemic
The US is Preparing for an H1N1 Virus Vaccination Campaign this Fall
Jun 29, 2009
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the swine flu has become a cause for national concern. Because of continued global spread of the virus, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced on June 11, 2009, that the H1N1 strain of influenza had spread to over 70 countries and was able to be characterized as a global pandemic.
US Cases of Swine Flu
Although the Swine Flu has spread across the US quickly, the CDC has reported a decline in cases. They warn that a sharp increase may occur this fall and winter during flu season, however, and so the US is maintaining its state of public health emergency as declared on April 26 of this year.
Over 27,700 cases of Swine Flu have been identified in the US so far, with 127 deaths, but an epidemiological modeling program used by the CDC estimates that there have been over 1 million US cases of the disease.
H1N1 Prevention and Vaccination
In order to prevent the flu from causing any more deaths, the CDC has advocated immediate steps toward an H1N1 vaccine. The CDC, in conjunction with the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices and the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, is now planning out the best protocols for developing and delivering the vaccine, including prioritizing vaccination of the most at-risk populations.
Because the H1N1 virus is susceptible to certain antiviral drugs already available in the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS), the CDC has deployed these prescription medications and other protective and preventive equipment to each US state and territory to help reduce the virus' threat to infected and healthy individuals alike.
Although novel vaccines take several months from development to widespread manufacturing, the CDC has already submitted a candidate vaccine to the vaccination industry. Provided the vaccine is effective and the perceived need for the vaccine continues, manufacturers will be able to start production to supply the US with vaccines this fall.
Preventing Swine Flu Spread
Until a vaccine is available, however, the CDC and other public health agencies recommend taking common sense health precautions, including the following:
- Wash hands frequently, or use an alcohol-based hand rub to kill germs.
- Always cover nose and mouth with a tissue while coughing or sneezing; dispose of the tissue directly.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth to prevent spreading germs.
- Be cautious around sick individuals, avoiding close contact.
- Stay home when sick with flu-like symptoms until symptom-free for 24 hours.
- Follow public health advice such as school closures and crowd avoidance warnings.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Novel H1N1 Flu Situation Update." June 25, 2009. Article Link. Accessed June 29, 2009.
Enserink, Martin. "With More than a Million Cases, U.S. Prepares for Swine Flu Vaccination Campaign." Science Insider. June 26, 2009. Article Link. Accessed June 29, 2009.
