Refer to www.cdc.gov and www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/asthma for updated information on asthma and H1N1; we invite you to link to these sites

·         Flu activity is widespread in 48 states and nationally, reports of influenza-like illness continue to increase sharply in the United States. In addition, flu-related hospitalizations and flu-related deaths are higher than expected for this time of year.

·         While influenza is unpredictable, high levels of influenza activity may continue for several weeks, and even after flu activity peaks, it’s possible that other waves of influenza activity may occur – caused by either 2009 H1N1 viruses or regular seasonal flu viruses.

·         CDC recommends a three-step approach to fighting the flu: vaccination, everyday preventive actions, including covering coughs, frequent hand washing, and staying home when sick, and the correct use of antiviral drugs if your doctor recommends them.

·         2009 H1N1 vaccination has begun and more vaccine is being shipped each week. We ask members of the public who want to receive this vaccine to be patient as this program expands and more vaccine becomes available. There will be enough vaccine available for anyone who wishes to receive it.

·         It’s very important that antiviral drugs be used early to treat flu in people who are very sick (for example people who are in the hospital) and people who are sick with flu and have a greater chance of getting serious flu complications, like people with asthma, diabetes or people who are pregnant.

2009 H1N1 and Asthma (New)

·         Asthma affects 7.9% percent of the U.S. population and is the cause of nearly a half-million hospitalizations each year.

·         People with asthma are at increased risk for severe complications of influenza, including 2009 H1N1 flu.

·         People with asthma account for approximately 32% of 2009 H1N1 hospitalizations in the United States, according to recent data from the Emerging Infections Program, a CDC surveillance system that tracks influenza-related hospitalizations.

·         People with asthma need to have their asthma well-controlled and should have an updated asthma action plan. Medication to control asthma (usually inhaled corticosteroids) should be used as prescribed by each patient’s health care provider.

·         Less than half of people with asthma seek treatment promptly when they are sick with flu-like symptoms.

·         Because people with asthma are at higher risk of serious flu-related complications, they should seek treatment promptly when ill with either influenza like illness (ILI) or an asthma exacerbation.

·         People with asthma with suspected 2009 H1N1 infection should be treated promptly with oseltamivir (trade name Tamiflu®). Zanamivir (trade name Relenza®) is NOT recommended for people with asthma.

·         People with asthma should get the 2009 H1N1 flu shot (injectable, inactivated formulation only). 

·         People with asthma also are recommended to get the seasonal flu shot (injectable, inactivated formulation only). 

·         People with asthma should NOT get the live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV), also known as the nasal spray vaccine, for either seasonal flu or 2009 H1N1.

2009 H1N1 Hospitalizations in People with Asthma

·         People with asthma are at higher risk for serious complications from flu, including 2009 H1N1. As a result, people with asthma are at higher risk of hospitalization.

2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine

·         (Updated) As of Tuesday, November 3, 2009, a total of 31,839,200

doses were available for ordering. Of those available doses, 22,682,300 doses were injectable (flu shots) and 9,156,900 were LAIV (nasal spray vaccine).

·         All states and the District of Columbia have placed orders for vaccine, and more orders are expected daily.