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How to Protect Kids – and the Community – from the H1N1 Flu
An open letter to Metro Parent readers from Dr. Paul Lewis, deputy tri-county health officer (Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties), Dr. Molly Burchell, chief of pediatrics, Legacy Emanuel Hospital and Dr. H. Stacy Nicholson, physician-in-chief, Doernbecher Children’s Hospital
Dear Parents,
After a summer lull, the H1N1 flu virus has now returned to the Portland area. As you may know, few of us under the age of 65 have immunity against H1N1. Epidemiologists estimate that one-third of the region’s population could become ill with the H1N1 flu this season if we do not act to prevent the spread of H1N1.
Although most cases of H1N1 flu patients recover uneventfully at home, some have required hospitalization, and nearly 600 people in the United States died from the disease between April and September.
As Portland area pediatricians who are also parents, we are frequently asked what people can do to prevent the spread of H1N1. Here are the Top 6 steps that we recommend:
1. Get your children vaccinated. Children are at high risk for complications of flu, and the virus can spread very quickly from child to child and from child to adult.
2. Get yourself vaccinated, especially if you are pregnant. Other priority groups for vaccine are people younger than 25, parents of infants younger than 6 months, health care workers and people with chronic medical conditions.
3. Cover your cough. Sneeze into the inside of your arm or into a tissue.
4. Wash your hands. Scrub with soap and water for as long as it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice, or use an alcohol-based hand cleanser.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with your hands.
6. Stay home if you are sick. Return to your normal routine only after your fever has let up for at least 24 hours.
Vaccination is, very simply, the most effective method to protect your children, yourself and the public against H1N1. The vaccine for H1N1 is being manufactured using the same technique used in seasonal flu vaccines for many years. Experience tells us that the risk of serious reactions to the vaccine is extremely low, while complications from flu are relatively common and can be extremely dangerous. If you or your child dislikes injections, there is a nasal inhaler that can be used in place of a flu shot for people age 2 to 49. Don’t be deterred by cost; at public vaccination sites, no one will be turned away due to inability to pay.
There are many ways to obtain flu vaccine in the metro area. The first place to turn is your usual healthcare provider. Or, you can be vaccinated at many of the leading pharmacy chains. Public health departments are also working to establish vaccination centers in K-12 schools and in public and private colleges throughout the Portland area. In Washington and Multnomah counties, Women, Infants and Children (WIC) facilities can also vaccinate you and your children. You may find additional information – including maps and hours of clinic locations — at your county public health agency’s Web site, or from your local school district. Start with the following links:
Multnomah County: www.mchealth.org/swineflu
Clackamas County: www.clackamas.us/swineflu
Washington County: www.co.washington.or.us/flu
Clark County: www.clark.wa.gov/public-health
As with any issue affecting your child’s health, it pays to stay informed. Check back at these Web sites from time to time for updates.
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Dr. Paul Lewis, MD Deputy Tri-County Health Officer Clackamas, Washington and Multnomah counties |
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Dr. Molly Burchell Chief of Pediatrics, Legacy Emanuel Hospital |
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Dr. H. Stacy Nicholson, MD, MPH Physician-in-Chief, Doernbecher Children’s Hospital |
