A Cause for Awareness, Not Alarm
H1N1:
M ention the H1N1 pandemic to someone and
you’re likely to get one of two responses: alarm or
a complete lack of concern. But which response
is best? The answer is neither.
The truth is that the H1N1 pandemic really
does pose a significant risk, but that doesn’t
mean we are all in danger.
A novel virus
H1N1 is considered a novel virus because its
behavior is different than other strains of
inf luenza. About 90 percent of deaths caused
by the seasonal f lu are patients 65 years and
older, but that group accounts for less than 10
percent of deaths resulting from H1N1.
Forty-one percent are patients between the ages
of 25 and 49.
But it’s important to remember that of the
nearly 44,000 confirmed cases of H1N1 in the
U.S. between April 15 and July 24, less than 1
percent died. That number gets even smaller if
you account for the number of people who were
infected but never tested. Based on the CDC’s
estimates the actual mortality rate would be
roughly 0.03 percent.
Pregnancy and H1N1
The CDC and the World Health Organization
both report an increased risk among pregnant
women, which is why it is so important for them
to be vaccinated against the disease. Still, we
believe that most pregnant women infected with
H1N1 won’t experience symptoms any worse
than they would with the seasonal f lu.
Should I get vaccinated? Yes!
Vaccinations help prevent the spread of the
virus in two ways. First, they keep you from
getting infected. Second, they prevent you from
spreading the virus to others. Since some people
aren’t able to be vaccinated themselves, getting
vaccinated is socially responsible.
with Rachelle Soper, M.D.
What do I do if I get H1N1?
Basically, you should stay home and isolated
from others. The significant majority of people
with H1N1 will experience the same symptoms
that they would with the seasonal f lu. Many
won’t even realize they have H1N1.
If you are pregnant and develop a fever along
with a cough, sore throat or runny nose, call
your OB/GYN. Do not go to her or his office
without calling ahead. If you do have H1N1 you
risk infecting all of the other pregnant women at
the office.
If your child under 5 years develops f lu-like
symptoms, call her or his pediatrician.
Finally, if you’re symptoms become potentially
life threatening – such us a fever higher than
103.3º F, shortness of breath or difficulty
breathing – either go to your local emergency
room or call 911. Also, if your fever goes
away without the help of medication but then
returns a day or two later go to your local
emergency department.
Can I go to the emergency
department if I’m scared?
Yes. Your local emergency department is
dedicated to supporting its community.
Emergency departments use a triage method
that identifies priority patients, and severe
illnesses and injuries are seen first. Everyone who
comes in, though, will be evaluated by a health
care provider.
About the Author: Rachelle Soper M.D. is the
assistant medical director of Sutter Delta’s
emergency department in Antioch. Dr. Soper
helped coordinate Sutter Delta’s response to the
spread of H1N1 in East County in April 2009 and
continues to play an important role in managing
the hospital’s response to the virus.
October 2009 • www.110mag.com 1