Published: October 08, 2009 10:08 pm      

H1N1 widespread in Kentucky; vaccine arrives

Kentucky’s Public Health Commissioner says people in Kentucky should be careful and watchful about H1N1 flu but not panicked.

Dr. William Hacker said in a teleconference with reporters Thursday that he will recommend his grandchildren and family members with chronic risk factors receive the new vaccine for the new strain of flu. He said it’s as safe as the seasonal flu vaccine given to thousands each year.

“Although it’s referred to as a new vaccine, it’s simply a reformulation of the vaccine that we give each fall,” Hacker said. “Both (seasonal and H1N1 vaccines) are manufactured identically, it’s the same process. It’s just a reformulation because it’s a new strain of flu.”

Hacker explained that the seasonal flu vaccine is reformulated each year because the flu virus mutates. While H1N1 is a new strain of flu, he said, it’s still a Type A influenza and he thinks the new vaccine is as safe as the one given routinely each year.

So far, said Hacker and state Epidemiologist Dr. Kraig Humbaugh, the state is seeing “widespread activity” of the new flu strain in Kentucky but most of those affected have symptoms which are similar to seasonal flu and are recovering without treatment. There have been four deaths attributed to H1N1 in Kentucky.

“Our position remains that I am concerned about the threat of a potential pandemic, but I’m not alarmed,” Hacker said.

He said those suffering flu symptoms now are almost certainly victims of H1N1.

“We’ve had no general Type A flu identified in September in our laboratory here in Kentucky,” Hacker said. He said seasonal flu is likely still six to eight weeks away which gives the public plenty of time to be vaccinated for seasonal flu.

Vaccine for H1N1 flu has begun arriving in Kentucky Hacker said the state has been allotted 72,200 does of vaccine, 25,200 of those of the injectable variety. About 11,100 nasal vaccines have been shipped to the state and more is expected next week.

Targeted groups for the new vaccine are health care workers, pregnant women, children ages 6 months to 24 years of age, and caregivers for children under 6 months old. At least one provider in each of Kentucky’s 120 counties will offer the vaccine, and Hacker said most counties have several providers.

He recommended that people suffering mild symptoms take fever medication, drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest. Those who suffer severe symptoms or those who seem to improve only to see symptoms worsen should see a physician, Hacker said. Children under 18 are advised to avoid taking aspirin.

Hacker said one major difference between H1N1 and seasonal flu seems to be the age groups most affected. Seasonal flu seems to attack older individuals with greater frequency and severity while the H1N1 seems harder on younger age groups.

The state has et up a hotline staffed by professional nurses to answer the public’s questions. That number is (877) 843-7727 and calls are answered from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. EDT. Information can also be found online at www.healthalerts.ky.gov.

Hacker advised the public to follow common sense measures to protect themselves: frequent hand washing, avoiding contact with infected persons, and covering coughs or sneezes.

Ronnie Ellis writes for CNHI News Service and is based in Frankfort. He may be reached by e-mail at rellis@cnhi.com. The Richmond Register is a CNHI newspaper.