Beat The Flu Shot Shortage
By DAWN SAGARIO - REGISTER STAFF WRITER
October 7, 2004

In Iowa and across the nation, Americans on the cusp of the flu season are reeling
with the unexpected news about this year's record shortage of vaccine.

Right now, the limited number of flu shots available is going only to those at high
risk of flu complications, including babies younger than 32 months, adults older than
65, people with chronic illnesses and health-care workers.

The shortage was precipitated Tuesday when one of two companies making flu
shots for use in the United States said it would not be able to sell 48 million doses
here because some of it may be contaminated.

Before the announcement, this season's supply was to be about 100 million doses,
up from 87 million last winter.

For those who don't fall into a high-risk category, a vaccination in the form of a
nasal spray and antiviral medications are two options available.

Many health officials also stress being extra vigilant with the tried-and-true
prevention tips: washing your hands well and covering your mouth and nose when
you sneeze.

One option for healthy individuals is FluMist, which is sprayed into the nose. About
1 million doses of the intranasal spray from manufacturer MedImmune Inc. will be
available to healthy 5- to 49-year-olds.

FluMist is a live but weakened form of the influenza virus. Dr. Patricia Quinlisk,
state epidemiologist, said Tuesday the price for FluMist had decreased substantially
and more people should be able to take it this year.

There were concerns last year when FluMist was initially introduced that because it
was a live virus it could spread from person to person.

"That's just really not happening," Quinlisk said.

She said health care workers can take FluMist, with the exception of those who
work with patients suffering from severely compromised immune systems, such as
bone marrow transplant patients.

FluMist has not been approved for those at highest risk of flu complications - very
young children, the elderly, pregnant women, those with suppressed immune
systems, or chronic medical conditions, including asthma.

Doctors said antiviral drugs can be used as a preventative measure. They can also
be taken after symptoms begin to decrease the severity and duration of the flu.

Dr. Daniel Gervich , medical director of health care epidemiology and infection
control at Mercy Medical Center, said drugs such as Amantadine and Rimantadine,
are highly effective in preventing influenza type A. He said the pills have been used
to prevent the flu in Europe.

While Amantadine, which is also used to treat Parkinson's disease patients, is
inexpensive, Gervich said there are side effects.

The pill would have to be taken daily throughout the flu season, he said. Some
people may also experience dizziness, insomnia, irritability and nausea. Gervich
said Rimantadine is slightly more expensive, with fewer side effects.

Mercy Medical Center has no flu shots available, but it has ordered FluMist, Gervich
said. Mercy had ordered 5,000 doses of flu vaccine from Chiron Corp., the major flu-
shot supplier who pulled its vaccine Tuesday.

Tamiflu is also an antiviral tablet that if taken within 48 hours of the onset of
symptoms can help decrease the severity of symptoms and duration of the flu, said
Dr. Kelly Reed, a family practice physician with Family Medicine of Urbandale.

Reed said a person with the flu would need to take one pill twice a day for five days.
Family members who are in contact with an ill person can prevent illness by taking
one Tamiflu pill every day for seven days.

The flu, a virus, can wear down the immune system, making the body more
susceptible to staph infections that can lead to pneumonia, said Dr. Nader Ajluni , a
pediatrician at Blank Children's Hospital. Children younger than age 2 are
particularly susceptible to infections.

Flu symptoms include high fever, sore throat and generalized body aches, he said.
If a child is not eating or drinking well, and has a high fever accompanied by
excessive lethargy or irritability, it's time to see a doctor.

Ajluni said parents can keep kids healthy by ensuring they get enough rest, fluids
and nutrition.

"And certainly getting enough regular exercise so that their bodies are strong, so
that if they do happen to come in contact with the influenza virus, they'll be able to
fight it off," he said.

Find out more

For information on the flu vaccine situation in Iowa:

Iowa Department of Public Health at http://www.idph.state.ia.us .

Polk County Health Department. Call the flu hot line at (515) 286-3609 , or visit
www.co.polk.ia.us . and click on "Health Department."

Iowa Health Des Moines. Call (515) 241-7272 or visit http://www.iowahealth.org and
click on "Flu Vaccine Shortage - Who Can Still Get The Vaccine."

How to avoid the flu

Every year, 36,000 people die from the flu, according to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention. More than 200,000 are hospitalized from flu complications.
Steer clear of the flu by following these recommendations:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water. Do this especially after coming into
contact with people who have a cold or the flu, or if you're out in public. (If you don't
have access to a restroom, use a hand sanitizer gel.)

• Use a disposable tissue to cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or
coughing. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the inside of your elbow.

• Keep the elderly, young children and those immunosuppressed away from large
crowds.

• Get lots of rest, exercise and eat well.

• Do not share drinking cups and straws.

• Stay out of work or school if you have the flu or flu-like symptoms.

• Always keep door knobs, refrigerator handles, water faucets and phones clean.

Source: Polk County Health Department

OTHER INFO

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov
• FluMist intranasal vaccine, http://www.flumist.com or (877) FLUMIST.

SOURCE: DesMoinesRegister.com, United States
http://tinyurl.com/67ahk

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