Latest H1N1 Update 12/30/09

New study determines H1N1 is less contagious than other pandemics.

The CBS Evening News (12/30, story 7, 0:25, Smith) briefly reported last night that a new study has concluded that the chances of being infected with the H1N1 virus by someone in your own home "are only about one in eight." The AP (12/31, Marchione) adds that the study, conducted by scientists at the Imperial College London and from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has determined that the H1N1 virus is significantly less contagious than many of the viruses responsible for deadly outbreaks in the past. The research, published in Thursday's New England Journal of Medicine, studied infection patterns in 216 people with swine flu from around the United States and determined that indications of the virus appeared in only 13 percent of their households. Lyn Finelli, surveillance chief for the CDC's flu division, says that children "were twice as susceptible to catching swine flu as adults were, and even more so if they were younger than 4."
In a separate study, Bloomberg News (12/31, Pettypiece) reports "researchers at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore and the New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene analyzed responses from an online questionnaire of students and employees at St. Francis Preparatory School in the Queens borough of New York." According to the findings, "the average incubation period for the virus was 1.4 days with symptoms developing in most cases by 2.2 days."
Health officials say second wave is finished. The Minneapolis Star Tribune (12/31, Marcotty) reports that swine flu virus appears to be on the decline in Minnesota, as "state health officials said Wednesday that only one Minnesotan was hospitalized with H1N1 flu last week and that their 50 'sentinel' clinics around the state reported no patients with flu-like illness." Kris Ehresmann, head of immunizations for the Minnesota Department of Health, said it was "safe to say that the second wave is done," but said people should continue to brace for a resurgence of the virus.
Officials continue to recommend H1N1 vaccinations in hopes of avoiding third wave. American Medical News (12/31, Moyer) reports that federal health officials continue to urge physicians to vaccinate their patients against swine flu in hopes of preventing a third wave of the virus. "Although the virus is on the downswing now, I don't think any of us think it's going to go away," said Nicole Lurie, MD, MSPH, assistant secretary for preparedness and response at HHS. Meanwhile, Anne Schuchat, MD, director of the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, said that next year's seasonal flu vaccine "could include the H1N1 strain, which could eliminate the need for two separate influenza immunizations."
Walgreens offers H1N1 vaccine at all Massachusetts locations. The Boston Globe (12/30) reported, "Walgreens is now offering H1N1 vaccinations at all of its pharmacies throughout Massachusetts" for $18. Together with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Walgreens "is working...to serve as a distribution partner for the H1N1 vaccine and a community resource for information on H1N1 immunization." The Department of Public Health "recently lifted priority group vaccination restrictions," so any resident age 12 years or older "who wants an H1N1 vaccination...can" be vaccinated at Walgreens.
H1N1 vaccine available at some Rite Aid pharmacies for $15. The Santa Rosa Press Democrat (12/31, Espinoza) reports that "the swine flu vaccine is now available at five North Coast Rite Aid pharmacies for $15, half the price of the drugstore's seasonal flu vaccination." According to a spokesman for Rite Aid, "the H1N1 vaccine was provided to them by the government at no cost, while the drugstore buys the seasonal flu vaccine at production cost." The spokesman added, however, that "customers should call the store to check if appointments are necessary and if the outlet has an available pharmacist who is specifically trained to administer the vaccine."