Hawthorn Medical Associates

A message from Hawthorn Medical on the H1N1 flu vaccine

This is an unprecedented flu season. In Massachusetts and across the country, we are dealing with two different types of flu, the regular seasonal flu and the new H1N1 flu.

Hawthorn Medical has received a supply of H1N1 vaccines. Several clinics have been scheduled for patients. If you would like to receive this vaccine, call your physician's office to schedule and appointment for an upcoming clinic.

What Is Seasonal Flu?

Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year. Every year in the United States, on average 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications.

How Does the Flu Spread?

The main way that influenza viruses are spread is from person to person in respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes. This can happen when droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person are propelled through the air and deposited on the mouth or nose of people nearby. Influenza viruses may also be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets on another person or an object and then touches their own mouth or nose before washing their hands.

The Flu Is Contagious

Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 days after becoming sick. Children may pass the virus for longer than seven days. Symptoms start one to four days after the virus enters the body. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. However, certain people should get vaccinated each year either because they are at high risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live with or care for high risk persons.

All children age 6 months to 18 years

All adults age 50 years or older

Anyone who has chronic health problems such as heart disease, lung disease, or asthma and anyone with a weakened immune system

Anyone who lives with or cares for people at high risk for complications

Health care workers

What Else Can You Do to Prevent the Flu?

Wash hands frequently with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. This will help protect you from picking up germs and passing them on.

Use good sneeze etiquette. Cough or sneeze into your upper arm rather than your hands.

Stay home when you are sick and try to stay away from others who are sick

Try to avoid prolonged close contact with people. Keep a distance of about three feet away from someone else.

Influenza Symptoms

The flu is different from a cold. The flu usually comes on suddenly and may include these symptoms:

Fever (usually high)

Headache

Extreme tiredness

Dry cough

Sore throat

Runny or stuffy nose

Muscle aches

Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur

For More Information

Flu.gov: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

U.S. Centers for Disease Control Seasonal Flu Page