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Oct. 6, 2009
Stefany Strong, Public Information Officer
Volusia County Health Department
Shelley Szafraniec, APR, CPRC
Volusia County Community Information

Get clear of flu: seasonal vs. H1N1 swine flu

As part of the “Let’s Fight Flu Together” campaign, Volusia County Health officials are addressing differences between the seasonal and H1N1 swine flu viruses.

“This is a unique flu season as we deal with both H1N1 swine flu and seasonal flu,” said Dr. Bonnie J. Sorensen, director of the Volusia County Health Department. “We realize this flu season may be especially confusing for our community, and we encourage everyone to educate themselves about influenza and learn how to protect themselves and their families.”

The H1N1 swine flu vaccine will be available in Volusia County in October. Seasonal flu vaccines already are available in the community.

Learn the differences between seasonal flu and H1N1 swine flu:

- How are seasonal flu and H1N1 swine flu similar? Both flu types are caused by viruses - two different viruses. They are both spread when people touch something with flu virus on it and then touch their mouths and noses. The viruses are spread through coughing or sneezing.

- Do the two flu viruses have the same symptoms? Yes. Symptoms are the same for the seasonal and H1N1 swine flu and include fever of more than 100 degrees, cough, sore throat, body aches, stuffy or runny nose, headache, vomiting or diarrhea.

- Is H1N1 swine flu more contagious than seasonal flu? No, they appear to be equally contagious.

- Who should get vaccinated for seasonal flu? Seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for everyone, but especially the young (younger than 5 years) and seniors (older than 50 years). People should talk to their physician if they are considering seasonal flu vaccination and have had an allergic reaction to chicken eggs, or a previous serious reaction to a seasonal flu shot.

- Who should get vaccinated for H1N1 swine flu? Early supplies of H1N1 swine flu vaccine initially are expected to be more limited than supplies of seasonal flu vaccine. However, health officials anticipate enough vaccine will become available to immunize everyone who wants it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the H1N1 swine flu vaccine be given to the following priority groups while vaccine is in limited supply: pregnant women, people caring for infants younger than six months, health care and emergency medical services responders, people ages 6 months - 24 years, and people ages 25 - 64 years with health conditions associated with a higher risk of medical complications from the flu.

- Who should get the nasal spray? Seasonal and H1N1 swine flu nasal spray is for healthy people ages 2 years - 49 years.

- Who should not get the nasal spray? The seasonal and H1N1 swine flu nasal sprays contain a live virus that has been weakened. It should not be given to women who are pregnant and should be used with caution in people who have weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, patient receiving chemotherapy and other similar health situations. People should discuss whether they are healthy enough to get the nasal spray with their private doctors.

- Will one vaccine protect against seasonal and H1N1 swine flu? No. Each virus has its own vaccine.

- What is the availability of flu vaccines in Volusia County? Seasonal flu vaccines are available now through local health care providers, a number of local fire stations, select stores and the Volusia County Health Department. H1N1 swine flu vaccines will be available in October. Citizens will be notified through the news media, their health care providers and/or online at www.volusiahealth.com when H1N1 swine flu vaccines are available.

- Are the vaccines mandatory? No. Neither the seasonal flu vaccine nor the H1N1 swine flu vaccine is mandatory.

- I think I have the flu. What actions should I take? People should call their health care provider and discuss whether they need to be seen or if should stay home. People with flu-like symptoms should avoid contact with others until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours.

Flu prevention tips:

• Cover your cough or sneeze.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Stay home when you’re sick.
• Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or appear ill.

For more information about flu, visit www.VolusiaHealth.com or call the Florida Department of Health Flu Information Line (877) 352-3581. Let’s fight flu together.

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