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With H1N1 cases or "swine flu" on the rise in local schools and communities, get your questions about the virus, its vaccination and any other concerns answered by KDHE's Interim State Epidemiologist Charlie Hunt.
As an epidemiologist, Hunt specializes in the study of disease distribution within human populations and the environment.
This chat has already taken place. Read the transcript below.
Moderator
September 10, 2009 at 1:03 p.m.
Hello, I am Bethany Smith, web editor at ktka.com.
I am pleased to welcome Charlie Hunt to the studio.
Charlie is the state epidemiologist and specializes in the study of diseases in populations.
He will answer any questions relating to H1N1 and the vaccine.
fruzik
September 9, 2009 at 12:32 p.m.
I am pregnant with my first child. Since it's all new to me, I'm taking extra precautions. But I'm worried that the vaccine underwent hurried testing and will not be safe for me. My doctors urge me to get it, but I don't trust it. Thoughts?
Charlie Hunt, KDHE Interim State Epidemiologist
September 10, 2009 at 1:07 p.m.
It is good that you are discussing your concerns with your physician. As you may know from the information that has been published, pregnant women are actually a priority group for receipt of the vaccine because of the increased risk of complications from influenza. The H1N1 pandemic flu vaccine is being manufactured in the same manner as seasonal influenza vaccine, but will protect against this new strain. Our recommendation, and that of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is that pregnant women receive the vaccine.
curious
September 10, 2009 at 8:40 a.m.
how are we to know if our children are infected w the swine flu if no one is testing for it anymore? Is this how the 6yr old child died from not beind tested? how does a DR detemine its time to be tested?I have a homedaycare + 3 kids of my own i need to make sure everyone is healthy that is coming in & out of ny home including my kids and i do my sanatizing evry day including washing of all our hands.
curious
Charlie Hunt, KDHE Interim State Epidemiologist
September 10, 2009 at 1:11 p.m.
We are continuing to conduct testing in our state laboratory for persons that are hospitalized as well as some randomly selected patients who are seen in one of the outpatient clinics or hospital emergency department that is participating in our surveillance network. Because of the large number of cases, it is not practical for us to test everyone. But our recommendations for prevention and control (good handwashing, staying home when ill, etc.) do not change based on whether or not the patient is "confirmed" in our state laboratory.
Charlie Hunt, KDHE Interim State Epidemiologist
September 10, 2009 at 1:12 p.m.
There are also specific recommendations for child care settings available through our website (www.kdheks.gov) as well as through CDC (www.cdc.gov).
deck
September 10, 2009 at 12:45 p.m.
Charlie, we're hearing a lot about kids and H1N1. What about senior citizens? How should we protect them?
Charlie Hunt, KDHE Interim State Epidemiologist
September 10, 2009 at 1:16 p.m.
This influenza virus is affecting younger age groups more so than older age groups, which is different than seasonal flu. About 80% of our pandemic H1N1 cases have been under 35 years of age. This is why younger age groups are targeted for the vaccine. The best way we will be able to protect our older members of the population is to practice good handwashing, staying home when ill, covering our coughs and sneezes, and getting vaccinated as soon as it is available. It is important to get the seasonal flu vaccine as well, and older persons are recommended for it.
bmsmith
September 10, 2009 at 1:18 p.m.
We keep hearing that we should get the vaccine "as soon as it is available." Any idea when that will be or how accessible it will be when it is ready?
Charlie Hunt, KDHE Interim State Epidemiologist
September 10, 2009 at 1:20 p.m.
We expect that some vaccine will be available in early to mid-October. There won't be enough initially to vaccinate everyone, so that is why certain groups of people are considered as priorities. We are working closely with all of our local health department partners to distribute and administer the vaccine.
Charlie Hunt, KDHE Interim State Epidemiologist
September 10, 2009 at 1:22 p.m.
Unfortunately, we cannot provide more specific information about when or how much vaccine will be available at this time.
Moderator
September 10, 2009 at 1:23 p.m.
With all the health care talk, will the vaccine be affordable for people that don't have health care?
Charlie Hunt, KDHE Interim State Epidemiologist
September 10, 2009 at 1:26 p.m.
The vaccine is being provided by the federal government and health care providers will not charge for the cost of the vaccine. Health care providers may charge an administration fee. But the vaccine will be distributed through local health departments and other avenues that should provide good access to persons without health insurance or who have limited means to pay for health care. Contact your local health department for more specific information on providers in your community.
Moderator
September 10, 2009 at 1:26 p.m.
Charlie has to move on to another meeting soon. So if you have a question, submit it now.
We have time for just a couple more.
deck
September 10, 2009 at 1:05 p.m.
Do you think too much fuss is being made about H1N1, considering that the prevention/precautions are the same for the traditional flu, and the traditional flu can also be deadly if not taken seriously?
Charlie Hunt, KDHE Interim State Epidemiologist
September 10, 2009 at 1:29 p.m.
You are correct that traditional flu can be deadly. We certainly do not think too much fuss is being made about H1N1. Although the hospitalization rate for H1N1 appears to be similar to seasonal flu, the percentage of the population that is predicted to be infected is much larger (20% to 40%). That means more persons will likely need to be hospitalized and more deaths will likely occur.
Moderator
September 10, 2009 at 1:30 p.m.
Alright folks, that is all the time Charlie Hunt has for us today. Hopefully, you got your questions answered.
Thanks so much, Charlie for joining us in the studio today.
As always, stay tuned to both ktka.com and kdheks.gov as more updates about H1N1 and the vaccine become available.
Charlie Hunt, KDHE Interim State Epidemiologist
September 10, 2009 at 1:31 p.m.
Thank you for the opportunity.
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