H1N1 Health Alert: Children With Asthma At Greater Risk From H1N1 Influenza

Children with asthma are at greater risk to develop serious symptoms from H1N1 (swine) flu than from seasonal flu, according to a new study. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) a new Canadian study found that children hospitalized with H1N1 were more likely to have asthma (22%) compared to children hospitalized with seasonal flu (6%). However, severity of asthma did not seem to affect risk for H1N1. Children with asthma are among the high-risk groups the CDC has recommended be top priority to receive the H1N1 vaccine. Vaccination is the best protection against both H1N1 and seasonal influenza, and parents and caregivers of children with asthma are recommended to have their children vaccinated. To find out where to get an H1N1 or seasonal flu vaccination, visit http://www.flucliniclocator.org or contact your local department of health.

Parents of children with asthma should monitor their child’s health closely for signs of influenza. Symptoms of influenza include:

- Sudden onset of high fever
- Headache, muscle aches and joint pain
- Cough (usually dry)
- Chills
- Sore throat
- Nasal congestion and runny nose

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New Online Tool Focuses On Improving Influenza Immunization Rates For Health Professionals

Recognizing that influenza infection in health care workers can lead to outbreaks with serious consequences for patients, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) has launched an initiative for pharmacists to improve influenza immunization rates among healthcare workers. Health care workers can acquire influenza and unwittingly transmit the virus to patients, other health care workers, and members of their household and the community a day or two before symptoms appear.

ASHP’s new online resource, http://www.YouCanStopTheFlu.com, was developed by a panel of pharmacist immunization experts to engage pharmacists as advocates to improve seasonal influenza immunization rates of health care workers in their health systems. The initiative is supported by a grant from CSL Biotherapies.

The site features a robust resource center with links to recommendations and updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and The Joint Commission, as well as list-serves to keep pharmacists informed about the latest immunization trends and vaccine shortages. An Immunization Campaign Toolkit provides sample forms, fact sheets, signs, planning checklists, and other practical tools pharmacists can use to lead an immunization campaign at their own health system. Pharmacists can also share success stories of effective strategies with their colleagues via an online submission form. Read more