Swine flu

If you haven't had it yet, you still have time to get it!! The "swine flu" in medical circles is actually referred to as the "novel 2009" H1N1 virus because most people have never been exposed to it before. Genetically, this strain of virus is more closely connected to the "spanish flu" of 1918 rather than the "swine flu" of the 1970's. This may be why the 2-24 year old population has shown less resistance to the novel 2009 virus, with those who are over 65 and healthy less susceptible to the virus. The CDC has prioritized those who should receive the vaccination first: healthcare providers, pregnant women, children/young adults 2-24 years old, and those who have chronic health conditions such as asthma/COPD, diabetes, heart disease, or immune-deficiency including those receiving chemotherapy or those who live with an immune deficient person. Pneumonia has become the common "secondary infection" resulting from having H1N1, so pneumonia vaccinations are also recommended for certain populations. Seek your physician's recommendation for your individual situation. For H1N1 immunizations, you can contact Clinton County Health Dept @ 816-539-2144. If you have any more questions, you can contact the H1N1 Hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 1-877-FLU-4141 (FLU is 358)