August 2, 2009
As we get closer to the H1N1 vaccination program, there will inevitably be controversy given the small but vocal anti-vaccine segment of the U.S. population. The following is from an article in The New York Times (8/2/09):
"It is statistically inevitable that some of the millions of people vaccinated this fall will become ill or die. And there’s a high risk that the vaccine will be blamed for any coincidental health problems. For example, pregnant women will be urged to get the vaccine because doctors have seen how H1N1 can cause especially nasty infections during pregnancy. But about one in seven pregnancies ends in a miscarriage, so nearly 1,500 of 10,000 women in early pregnancy will miscarry this fall — whether or not they get the H1N1 vaccine."
Another article (NYT 8/2/09) discusses the best ways to decrease transmission on airplanes but this truly applies in all settings:
"Research has shown that people touch their mouths and noses as many as 200 times a day, and that good hand hygiene can reduce infectious disease transmission in public spaces by half. One recent study found soap and water or a hand rub that is at least 60 percent alcohol is highly effective in reducing influenza A virus on human hands."
Finally, a discussion of the impact of the pandemic on hospitals and clinics and a bit of common sense (NYT 8/2/09):
"The public needs to be informed that most flu patients can be adequately treated at home with fluids, rest and over-the-counter medications (acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever, for example). State and local health departments should urge doctors and clinics to extend their hours temporarily and, if necessary, add employees. In some communities, temporary flu clinics may need to be established and manned by volunteers."
Mark M. Blatter, M.D.
Medical Director
Primary Physicians Research