A 10-year-old boy receives the H1N1 vaccine in the vaccine's nasal spray form. (Photo Courtesy of MedImmune)
Fighting the New Flu
Schools are on the front lines with a vaccine to help stop the spread of H1N1
Flu season has begun—and this year there’s a new bug in town. Along with the annual wintertime flu, the United States is fighting a new virus, the H1N1 flu. In an effort to halt the spread of the illness, a new vaccine will be offered to many children right in their schools. Students in several states have already received the H1N1 vaccine, which is being distributed in waves around the country, at school.
H1N1 closely resembles the seasonal flu that causes misery every winter. Symptoms include a sore throat, runny nose, headache, fever, cough, and fatigue, or tiredness. Most people who get H1N1 feel sick for a few days then improve. As with seasonal flu, a small number get sick enough to be hospitalized. A few patients have died from the illness.
The Campaign Against H1N1
The H1N1 virus first appeared in Mexico in April. Commonly called “swine flu,” it soon spread to the U.S. and other countries. Although it probably presents no more danger than seasonal flu, H1N1’s rapid spread sparked fears of an epidemic, or widespread outbreak. Government officials around the globe have taken major steps to halt the spread of the disease.
The new vaccine is a key piece of the campaign to stop the spread of H1N1. "Flu vaccine is our best tool to protect against the flu," says Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The CDC has identified four groups that the vaccine will benefit most: health-care workers, persons aged 6 months to 24 years, pregnant women, and people with medical conditions that place them at greater risk for illness.
Kathleen Sebelius, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, points out, "That's a lot of people. That's about half the population."
Meeting the Demand
To help meet the demand, most states plan to give vaccines in schools. Schoolchildren in some states, including Ohio, Arkansas, Virginia, and New York, have already received the vaccine. Every state is also setting up centers where people can go for the vaccine. By November, every state in the U.S. expects to be distributing the vaccine to children and adults.
The vaccine comes in two forms: a nasal-spray version and an injectable version, or one that is given as a shot. The nasal spray was released first, and this is the form schools have so far been giving kids. Children under 10 may need two doses of the vaccine, four weeks apart.
Don’t Forget to Wash Your Hands!
Doctors and public health officials also stress the importance of a few simple steps everyone can take to prevent illness. Here’s what you can do to help stay healthy and avoid spreading germs:
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or sneeze into the bend of your arm.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 30 seconds. (Sing “Happy Birthday” through twice if you don’t want to count!)
- Avoid sharing drinking glasses, dishes, or eating utensils.
- Try to not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with your hands.
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Print a Flu Prevention Tip Sheet in color or black and white. For K-8 students who miss school due to illness, Stay Smart! School Continuation Plan. |
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LESSON PLAN
UNIT PLAN
