The recent media reports about the developing H1N1, or swine influenza outbreak have certainly focused medical professionals, government agencies and families on unexpected infectious disease outbreaks and their easy spread. The full extent of the H1N1 influenza outbreak remains to be seen as U.S. states and countries around the world implement their plans to contain and treat the disease. Treatment of infected individuals and containment of spread of disease are the only options available as there is no preventative vaccination available for this particular strain of influenza.
While this outbreak has infected and sickened an unknown number of people and caused the death of more than 140 people at last count we should remember that seasonal influenza causes, on average, 35,000 deaths per year in the United States. This for a disease that has preventative vaccination available and it is recommended for all children age 6 months to 18 years, those above the age 65 and all others at high risk due to certain medical conditions. Despite availability, recommendations and risk only twenty percent of those eligible receive an annual influenza vaccination.
Vaccination remains the most effective method to prevent infection of serious disease when available. Making sure that we, and our children, are up to date on recommended vaccinations to prevent serious disease decreases the risk of both individual disease and community spread of disease.
If unsure contact your child’s health care provider to make sure you child is current on all recommended vaccines or with any questions about vaccine preventable diseases.
We can’t predict what the next infectious disease outbreak will be, where it will be, or how severe it will be. What we can do is make sure that we, and our families, are protected against those diseases we know and can vaccinate against.
Ryan Vogelgesang, MD
MOBI Medical Program Director
Ohio Chapter, AAP