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As the number of H1N1 virus cases continues to increase in the U.S. everyone should be diligent in ways to prevent the illness. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is concerned that the new H1N1 flu virus could result in a particularly severe 2009-2010 flu season. The H1N1 virus is now widespread and confirmed in 41 states.
“Nationwide, visits to doctors for influenza-like-illness increased over last week and this many reports of widespread activity are unprecedented during seasonal flu,” said Dr. Anne Schuchat with the CDC. “In addition, flu-related hospitalizations and deaths are increasing and are higher than expected for this time of year and are beyond the epidemic threshold.”
Most people who get the flu –either seasonal or 2009 H1N1— will have mild illness and will not necessarily need medical care or antiviral drugs, and will typically recover in less than two weeks.
For those with cancer and undergoing cancer treatment, any flu virus is of particular concern. Cancer and cancer treatments can make your immune system weak and less able to fight germs. There are several things all cancer patients should know about the new strain of H1N1.
Cancer patients are considered among those in the high-risk group and should get both the common flu and H1N1 virus vaccines, according to the CDC and the American Cancer Society. Any flu shots you've had in the past, including the swine flu vaccine used in 1976, will not protect you from this new H1N1 virus. It's a good idea for cancer patients to consult their physicians to see if additional medication is needed to prevent the flu and if the current vaccinations are recommended for them.
The CDC reports nearly all of the influenza viruses identified so far are 2009 H1N1 influenza A viruses. These viruses remain similar to the virus chosen for the 2009 H1N1 vaccine, and remain susceptible to the antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir with rare exception.
The CDC also reported a brief shortage of 2009 H1N1 vaccine this week, and at least initially, the vaccine will be available in limited quantities reserved for high-risk groups.
The H1N1 virus spreads by person-to-person contact, much the same way that regular seasonal flu viruses spread, mainly through sneezing and coughing. However, people can also get swine flu by touching something with the virus on it and then touching their eyes, nose, or mouth. The virus can live on surfaces for up to 8 hours.
People infected with H1N1 shed the virus (are contagious) and may be able to infect others from 1 day before feeling sick, to up to 7 days after they have symptoms. Young children may be contagious for a longer time.
Cancer patients or those undergoing chemotherapy may want to consider some extra precautions:
- Stay home whenever possible. Ask your support team to get groceries, walk your dog, bring work home from the office, or whatever else you can delegate.
- If you develop a fever of 100.5 F or higher, call your doctor right away (day or night) and start drinking plenty of fluids. Stay well hydrated and get a diagnosis and treatment for whatever is causing your fever.
- If you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue and then immediately trash it. No tissues handy? Turn your face into the crook of your elbow, to keep germs from flying away.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol sanitizer - this will kill most germs.
- Avoid people who have a fever, cough, or sneezing, or complain of any flu-like symptoms.
- If you feel like you are developing flu symptoms, don't wait to see if it will just go away. Call your doctor or nurse practitioner and ask for advice or an appointment.
If you are undergoing radiation treatments for breast cancer its good to note that some patients experience swallowing problems, cough, or shortness of breath. This is because radiation can affect your esophagus, throat, or lungs. Let your doctor know, if you're having these problems. This kind of cough is not a flu symptom, but if you are concerned about your cough or any other symptoms, such as fatigue, pain, or skin changes, contact your doctor.
The CDC has up-to-date information on the 2009-10 flu season, more information on high-risk groups and other safety precautions at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
Lynette Summerill, is an award-winning journalist who lives in Scottsdale, Arizona. In addition to writing about cancer-related issues, she writes a blog, Nonsmoking Nation, which follows global tobacco news and events.
Add a Comment4 Comments
Hi Lynnette - Thanks for the additional information, which will help many of us decide what to do. For myself, I talked with my oncologist today and he gave the green light for both. The sequence of shots will be based on vaccine availability.
It would indeed help to hear from a public health professional and I hope we do. I also hope you'll keep an eye on this topic for all of us so we can stay informed throughout this unique flu season. Thanks again for your help and expertise.
Take good care,
October 21, 2009 - 5:14pmPat
This Comment
Hi Pat,
Thanks for your questions. The recommendation from the CDC and ACS is to obtain the regular flu shot first, and then the H1N1, however, I believe that recommendation was based on the fact that the seasonal flu vacine became available first. It would be prudent to consult ones physician to ensure if the influenza vaccines would be a benefit and if there are resources for only one, which vaccine would be recommended. The CDC and ACS offers general guidelines only and since not everyone will respond equally to the vaccines, ultimately, if you have cancer and are undergoing treatment one's attending physician should make the call. It appears from the CDC data that the number of cases of H1N1 are climbing faster than the seasonal flu. However, it is unclear how much testing/reporting is being done to identify if the cases are H1N1 or seasonal. Perhaps someone working in public health epidemiology could clarify for us. These are great questions Pat. Thanks again for asking.
October 21, 2009 - 3:46pmBest always,
Lynette
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Hi Lynnette -
October 20, 2009 - 5:30pmThanks for providing us with this timely information. I'd appreciate more information on the recommendation from CDC and the American Cancer Society that cancer patients should get both the common flu and H1N1 virus vaccines. Should the vaccines be obtained at the same time, or should there be an interval between vaccinations? If funds are limited, which one is the higher priority? Or, are these questions a patients should ask their oncologist?
Again, thanks for the information and I look forward to your response.
Take good care,
Pat
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I should think it would be safe and actually healthier for patients to walk their own dogs. Outdoors they are unlikely to be exposed to the virus if they practice "social distancing" and wash their hands after touching public surfaces. They run a greater risk having someone else come into their house and handle the leash and the dog and possibly contaminate surfaces inside the house. And exercise is vital to promoting good health and improved immunity.
October 20, 2009 - 12:28pmThis Comment