Friday, July 31st, 2009

H1N1 'Swine Flu' Update

This preliminary negative stained transmission electron micrograph (TEM) depicted some of the ultrastructural morphology of the A/CA/4/09 swine flu virus. CDC / C. S. Goldsmith and A. Balish

We'll get an update on the spread of H1N1 influenza around the world, what researchers are finding out about the disease, and progress towards vaccines.

This week, health officials said that they planned to have H1N1 vaccine available in early fall. Recommendations for who should take priority in immunization efforts are different than those for traditional seasonal influenza. Rather than focusing vaccination efforts on the elderly, the CDC says that the H1N1 vaccine should first go to a group of people including:

pregnant women
people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
health care and emergency services personnel
persons between the ages of 6 months through 24 years of age
people from ages 25 through 64 years who are at higher risk for novel H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems

We'll get the latest on public health recommendations and research efforts.