Questions and Answers about 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine and Seniors.

This season CDC recommends that influenza diagnostic testing be prioritized for 1) hospitalized patients with suspected influenza; 2) patients for whom a diagnosis of influenza will inform decisions regarding clinical care, infection control, or management of close contacts; and 3) patients who died of an acute illness in which influenza was suspected.

You may have the flu if you have one or more of these symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue and sometimes, diarrhea and vomiting.

To provide updated interim recommendations on influenza diagnostic testing for clinicians treating patients with suspected 2009 H1N1 influenza virus infection and to assist clinicians with testing decisions for the 2009-10 influenza season.

This season CDC recommends that influenza diagnostic testing be prioritized for 1) hospitalized patients with suspected influenza; 2) patients for whom a diagnosis of influenza will inform decisions regarding clinical care, infection control, or management of close contacts; and 3) patients who died of an acute illness in which influenza was suspected.

Why aren't people 65 and older recommended to get early doses of 2009 H1N1 vaccine?
There are two main reasons why people age 65 and older are not included in the groups recommended to get the initial doses of 2009 H1N1 vaccine.

Questions and answers for the public regarding how to know if you have the flu, what kinds of tests are used, who will receive testing, and more.

The current situation will likely affect pharmacies as a greater number of people than usual seek to fill prescriptions for influenza antiviral drugs or antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial infections, in addition to seeking advice on over-the-counter flu medications. This may affect supplies and availability of antiviral medications and other materials that may be needed to fill prescriptions.

Mr President, honourable ministers, distinguished delegates, Dr Roses, friends and colleagues in the UN system, ladies and gentlemen, We are meeting at a time when the first influenza pandemic of the 21st century continues to sweep around the world. When the pandemic comes to an end, sometime in the future, we will see a flurry of assessments of the event, its impact, and how it was managed.

Pregnant women who are healthy have had severe illness from the 2009 H1N1 flu (also called swine flu). Compared with people in general, pregnant women with 2009 H1N1 flu have been more likely to be admitted to hospitals.