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Frequently Asked Questions


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Frequently Asked Questions

Q Can my pet get the 2009 H1N1 virus?
A Until recently, experts had little reason to believe pets could be infected with the 2009 H1N1 virus because it is very uncommon for flu viruses to jump between species. However, on October 9, 2009, a USDA laboratory confirmed 2009/H1N1 infection in a ferret. The ferret's owner had recently been ill with the flu. Ferrets are more susceptible to infection with influenza viruses, so this was not altogether surprising. At this time, there are no reports of the 2009 H1N1 flu virus being transmitted from a ferret to a person.

On November 4, the Iowa State Veterinarian and the Iowa Department of Public Health announced that a pet cat was confirmed infected with the 2009 H1N1 flu virus. The cat's owners were ill and the cat developed respiratory symptoms shortly afterward. The cat has recovered and there is no evidence at this time that the cat passed the virus to any people.

Pets that live indoors, especially cats, tend to have close contact with their owners and that increases their exposure to diseases. The best advice is to always follow common sense guidelines when dealing with animals (for example, washing your hands). In addition, it's more important than ever that pet owners keep a good eye on their pet's health and consult a veterinarian if their pet is showing any signs of illness. Keeping your pets healthy reduces their risk of becoming ill.

Q I've heard about ferrets and a cat getting the 2009 H1N1 virus. Should I get rid of my ferret or cat so my family is protected?
A Certainly not. You are much more likely to catch the flu (any type of flu, including the 2009 H1N1 flu) from an infected person than you are from an animal. So far, all of the pets infected with the 2009 H1N1 virus became infected from being around their ill owners. If you're feeling ill and have flu-like symptoms, you should probably limit your contact with your pets until you are feeling better. As always, if your pet is showing signs of illness, it should be examined by a veterinarian.

Q I am 68 years old and have chronic medical conditions. Can I get the H1N1 vaccine?
A Health experts say that people 65 and older are least likely to get the H1N1 virus, so they are not included in the first priority group for vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also report that senior adults may have some immunity to H1N1. However, if senior adults do get sick with the virus, they have a high risk of developing serious complications, so it is important that they contact their health care provider as soon as they develop flu-like symptoms.

Q Is it true that someone who just received the seasonal flu vaccine must wait before receiving the H1N1 vaccine?
A Seasonal flu and H1N1 flu shots can be given on the same day, but should be given in different arms. Seasonal mist and H1N1 mist should not be given together, but at least 28 days apart. It is safe to get a shot against one virus and a nasal mist against the other virus at the same time, though.

Q How long does it take for the H1N1 vaccine to become effective, once administered?
A It takes approximately two weeks after receiving the vaccine for antibodies that protect against H1N1 to fully develop in the body.

Q Do you know when you will have the H1N1 vaccine available for babies 6 months and older?
A Formulation for infants 6 months to 35 months has not yet been distributed to local public health departments in Missouri.

Q I am 32 years old and pregnant. Where can I go to get the H1N1 vaccination?
A Please check with your OBGYN weekly. New shipments of vaccine are arriving each week, so even if they didn't have it last week when you called, they may get some in this week.

Q Would you suggest to churches that they stop their weekly practice of greeting by handshake everyone around you during the services?
A Yes, churches are encouraged to recommend people greet each other with a pleasant smile, rather than shaking hands. Viruses can be spread from one hand to another and then enter a person’s body when he touches his eyes, nose our mouth. Churches are also encouraged to make handwashing stations or hand sanitizer available throughout their facilities.

Q Could you send out notices to all nursing homes, assisted living and independent living facilities to place antibacterial gel in common areas throughout the building?
A This is a great suggestion. Any facility that hosts people should offer handwashing stations or hand sanitizer. Good handwashing helps protect us against a number of illnesses, including H1N1 and seasonal flu.

Q Is it okay for breastfeeding mothers to get the H1N1 nasal spray?
A Women who are breastfeeding can get the nasal spray vaccine, including 2009 H1N1 vaccine. More information is available for breastfeeding mothers on the parents page. Expecting mothers should also read Pregnant Women: Questions and Answers about H1N1 Vaccine.

Q If I get the H1N1 nasal spray vaccine and then sneeze on someone, could they get sick with H1N1?
A The nasal spray flu vaccine is made with live, weakened viruses that cannot grow at normal body temperature. The viruses are weakened, and have not been shown to change into typical or naturally occurring influenza viruses, so they are unlikely to cause infection in someone you sneeze on.

To protect others around you, in any case, you should always cover your sneeze with a tissue or the crook of your arm. More information about the H1N1 nasal pray vaccine is available from FightTheFluMO by reading H1N1 Vaccine Questions and Answers.

Q How many people die every year from the seasonal flu in comparison to the H1N1?
A Every year 200,000 people are hospitalized with complications from seasonal flu, and 36,000 die. It has historically been much more severe than the H1N1 virus has been this year.

Q My son is 5 years old and has asthma. Should he get the H1N1 nasal spray vaccine?
A The mist (nasal spray) is not recommended for anyone with a chronic medical condition, including asthma. You should wait until an injectable (shot) is available for your child.

Q My child attends a school where there have been people out sick with flu-like symptoms. She has asthma, and I am very worried about her. What can I do to protect her?
A The injectable version (shot) of H1N1 vaccine should be available in mid- to late October. In the meantime, talk to her pediatrician about your concerns. Also, encourage your daughter to wash her hands frequently, not touch her face, and stay at least six feet away from someone who is sick. If she does develop flu-like symptoms, call her pediatrician right away. He may want to prescribe anti-viral medication, but it is most effective when started soon after symptoms develop.

Q What is the difference between flu mist and the flu shot?
A The difference is the flu mist is licensed only for use in healthy children and adults age 2 – 49. It is sprayed up in both nostrils. It is a live, weakened virus, but it is in a format that does not easily reproduce at the body’s normal temperature, so it is very unlikely that you would actually get the flu or give the flu to anyone else, if you get the mist. Because it is made with a live virus, though, it does take effect slightly quicker, provides better protection and lasts longer than the shot. The flu shot is licensed for use in anyone over 6 months old.