Novel influenza virus is still active in off-season; vaccine is in development.
Widespread or regional activity involving novel H1N1 influenza virus is evident in 20 American states, CDC told reporters in a news conference on Friday. As schools begin reopening next week, the rapid spread of the virus in summer camps in the United States could portend greater problems. “It’s very unusual for that kind of illness to be occurring at this time of the year,” explained Anne Schuchat, MD, Director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. “The novel H1N1 viruses are making up 98% of all the subtyped viruses we have, subtype influenza A viruses, and we’re seeing them dominate here in the U.S.,” she said. In the Southern Hemisphere, where seasonal influenza is occurring, novel H1N1 has been found in many countries, Schuchat explained, adding, “This virus is capable of causing a range of illness: severe life-threatening disease that requires intensive care unit and mechanical ventilation and also milder illness that gets better on its own. And this is really important for people to know this virus is out there, it’s circulating, it causes a range of illness, and we in the United States have to get ready for the fall.”
Schuchat emphasized the importance of health care workers getting immunized, especially during this season with the presence of the novel H1N1 virus. She said, “We do expect seasonal influenza viruses to circulate as well, and we need to be prepared for both of them.”
FDA anticipates that the novel H1N1 vaccine, once it is developed, will be given in a two-step dosage. Pharmacists should be prepared to advise patients about getting the single dose of vaccine against seasonal influenza and a possible two doses of vaccine against H1N1. For the latest in H1N1 statistics, check CDC’s FluView Web page: www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly.
FDA is working now to update its guidance to schools on the handling of H1N1 viruses. Schuchat stated, “We’re in the process of reviewing all the information learned from the spring and what are the benefits and unintended consequences of school dismissals, and what are the best ways to keep kids healthy and learning and to minimize disruption, as well as to minimize the real impact that this new virus can have.” Schuchat discouraged the use of Tamiflu or other antivirals as a preventive measure. Instead, she recommended more traditional methods of good handwashing and hygiene.
In other influenza-related developments, CDC on Friday released recommendations for seasonal influenza vaccine and FDA approved an additional diagnostic test for the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus.
Carli Richard (crichard@aphanet.org)
Posted July 27, 2009
