Natasha Menezes

When it comes to the H1N1 virus and seasonal flu shots, it is imperative to be equipped with the correct information and get your facts straight about the shots. Betty Long of the EBN Benefits News website explained the differences and clarified the facts concerning the H1N1 virus and the seasonal flu virus; and explained how they differ vastly. She illustrated that the seasonal flu, which has existed for over 30 years, and has spread through out mankind, is not doing to protect you against the new H1N1 virus.

Long continued that the vaccine against the 2009 H1N1 virus, ready for the nation during the flu season, which is usually December through March, is not meant to replace the seasonal flu vaccine. Furthermore, a great deal of the population will be urged to get both, the H1N1 and the seasonal flu vaccine to be properly protected from the flu this season.

In accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is recommended that the efforts for the vaccine concentrate on five imperative points. These vital points indicate that when the vaccination is sanctioned, immunization plans and providers should focus first on vaccinating as many people as possible who are in the five groups listed below:

1) Pregnant women

2) Those of the population that lives with or provides care for children 5 months old and below.

3) Health care and emergency medical services workers.

4) People between the ages of six months and 24 years old.

5) Those of the population who are between the ages of 25 to 64 years old who are at a higher risk of contracting the virus due to chronic health issues like asthma, diabetes, heart disease or a weakened immune system.

Long outlined that, of these five groups, the total of the groups will be approximately 159 million people in the United States alone. After the demand for these five groups has been satisfied, the next criterion to be met is the majority of the workforce: everyone from 25 to 64 years old.

An interesting fact that Long delineated is that, different from the seasonal flu, the population that is older than 64 years old will be less susceptible to the 2009 H1N1 virus than those 64 years and younger. The reason for this is because, over their lives, they may have built up antibodies from the exposition to the earlier stings of the H1N1 virus. That being said, once the demand for the vaccine for the younger age groups has been fulfilled, those 65 years and older should be offered the vaccine.

Basically, the 2009 H1N1 shot is an extra influenza vaccine for this season of the flu. Long suggests that “the best advice is to get the seasonal flu vaccine as soon as it is available in your community, and if you fall into one of the CDC-recommended groups, get the 2009 H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available. The seasonal flu vaccine takes about ten days to two weeks to provide immunity, so if you are planning a trip, factor that time into your decision-making.”

Long also suggested that people keep in mind at what point they get vaccinated because the effects of the seasonal flu shots last approximately three months.


The following advice concerning tips on preventing the spread of the virus was posted on the CDC’s website:

- “Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze onto your sleeve or into the bend of your elbow.

- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

- If you are sick with flu-like symptoms, it is recommended that you stay home except to get medical care or for other necessities. Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.”

Long then warned that those people who become seriously ill or have a specific medical condition, such as asthma, heart and lung disease, diabetes or a weakened immune system, that consequently puts them at a high susceptibility for contracting flu-related problems, and as a result, have flu-like symptoms (such as fever, chills, cough, sore throat, vomiting or diarrhea) should contact their health care provider straight away.

Long closed by reiterating that it is of utmost importance to get as much information when it comes to the H1N1 virus and the seasonal flu; and that getting the facts straight plays an extremely vital role, especially for those who work in the HR/benefits world because “you are not only a resource to your employees, but also so that you can plan your workplace flu vaccinations accordingly.”