Benjamin Sloop

Family Medicine
8/10/2009

Getting the Word Out About the Swine Flu Vaccine

“This fall promises to be a very challenging influenza season with both seasonal

flu and novel H1N1 flu vaccination campaigns and potentially concomitant illness,”

states Karen Remley, MD, State Health Commissioner of Virginia in a letter sent to health

care providers state-wide. The body of the letter addressed the issue of promoting

vaccination against the swine flu, urging doctors to “review how you and your staff

educate patients about influenza, how you promote seasonal flu vaccination, and to begin

these discussions with your patients.” This letter was received during my rotation at Old

Towne Family Practice and as such, we began educating our patients about influenza, the

swine flu, and vaccinations.

As each visit with an elderly person, a diabetic, or other chronically ill patients

ended, Dr. Cochran would inform the patients that he would like to see them again in

October when they were to return for their 3 month check up and receive their annual flu

shot. News of what was usually a somewhat benign and routine vaccination turned, this

year, into stimulating conversation. Patients inevitably asked about the swine flu.

Despite the all the media hype on the subject, the novelty of the H1N1 influenza virus has

made its treatment, spread, epidemiology, and prognosis a mystery not only to patients

but also to those providing care. In order to help patients and my fellow students

understand the H1N1 virus and the vaccine that is currently in production, I have

compiled some information relative to the virus that is applicable to the practice of family
medicine. The information that follows was taken from the CDC’s website:

http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/qa.htm.

First, what is the swine flu and what are its symptoms? The swine flu is a new

strain of the influenza virus, the same virus that causes the seasonal flu. It is called the

swine flu because parts of the virus are similar to viruses found in pigs. No need to

worry though, you cannot get the swine flu from eating or preparing pork products. The

symptoms of the swine flu include fever, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, cough, body

aches, chills, headaches and fatigue (diarrhea and vomiting have also been reported) and

are similar to that of the seasonal flu which kills thousands of people each year. Because

the swine flu is a new virus people are afraid that it may be even more dangerous.

Second, how can someone protect themselves against this virus? The swine flu is

a new virus so when the flu vaccines for this year were made they did not include

protection against the swine flu. For this reason, a series of two separate shots must be

given one month apart for protection against the swine flu. The vaccine is free and can

be given at the same time as the seasonal flu shot. Certain people are more at risk than

others for contracting the swine flu. According to the Virginia Department of Health, if

you fall into one of the following categories, you should ask your doctor about getting

vaccinated against the swine flu: pregnant women, people who live with or care for

children younger than 6 months of age, health care and emergency services personnel,

persons between 6 months through 24 years of age, and people from ages 25 through 64

who have chronic health disorders (for example: diabetes, COPD) or compromised

immune systems.
 Third, are there any side effects? If you have severe allergies to eggs or have had

Guillain Barre syndrome you need to talk to your doctor before getting vaccinated. Side

effects include soreness, redness, or swelling in the area where the shot was given, low

grade fever, and aches. Most people have no serious problems; however, like any

medication, problems may occur.

Fourth, what are other ways to keep from getting sick or to prevent the spread of

the swine flu? Cover both your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough and then

throw the tissue away. Avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth. Wash your hands

with soap and water or use hand sanitizer, especially if you cough or sneeze. Avoid close

contact with sick persons. If you are not feeling well, stay home from work.

The information above has been compiled onto a single sheet which is available

in the waiting room at the patient’s leisure and in each examination room for patients

desiring more information upon discussion with the doctor. The sheet is attached as the

next page of this paper. As was stated in the opening paragraph, this year’s flu season

promises to be challenging. Start preparing for flu season now. Educate yourself by

visiting the CDC and WHO influenza websites. Encourage your offices and patients to

become familiar with these sites. Educate your patients on a comprehensible level on the

dangers of this year’s flu season, of the benefits of vaccination, and of other prophylactic

measures to make this years flu forecast a little more positive.