Flu Facts from Dr. Charlotte Weller

PharmD, BS, Pharmacy Health Services Coordinator

Brookshire Grocery Company

H1N1 Flu

• A seasonal flu vaccine will not protect you against H1N1.
• A new vaccine against novel H1N1 is being produced and will be available in the coming months as an option for prevention of novel H1N1 infection. This vaccine will require two doses, given three weeks apart.
• People at greatest risk for novel H1N1 infection include children, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart and lung disease.

Treatment Options for the Flu and Novel H1N1

• Take flu antiviral drugs if recommended.
• If you get seasonal or novel H1N1 flu, antiviral drugs can treat the flu.
• Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaled powder) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body.
• Antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications.
• Antiviral drugs are not sold over-the-counter and are different from antibiotics.
• Antiviral drugs may be especially important for people who are very sick (hospitalized) or people who are sick with the flu and who are at increased risk for serious flu complications, such as pregnant women, young children and those with chronic health conditions.
• For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started within the first 2 days of symptoms.

Click here to get the latest updates from the CDC.