Health hat/
Right now, we are encouraging those in high risk groups to get it first (Pregnant women, those with chronic conditions especially respiratory conditions, elderly, immunocompromised).
The reason for concern is that H1N1 satisfies the criteria for a pandemic. The three criteria that are required to enable a pandemic include: 1) the presence of a new viral strain that is capable of infecting humans, 2) ability to be transmitted from person to person, and 3) availability of a susceptible global population
This strain is novel and different from the usual yearly influenza strain which mean most people have very little to no natural immunity to it. It has shown to be able to be transmitted very easily from person to person. Finally, it is now spread all over the world, in fact 90% of the flu strain in the environment is H1N1.
It should be noted that pandemic doesn't translate to lethality. It has been far less lethal than ordinary influenza, however, it has killed or hospitalized healthy adults age 18-30, a category that generally shouldn't die or be affected this severely from the flu.
The other concern is for historical reasons. On average, we experience a pandemic about every thirty years. Indeed, in the 20th century, there were three pandemic influenza outbreaks which included: the Spanish Influenza (1918–1920), Asian Influenza (1957–1958) and the Hong Kong Influenza (1968–1969). The worry is that influenza always mutates and we really don't want another Spanish influenza if H1N1 suddenly becomes more lethal.
On a more practical level, the vaccine should prevent you getting it in the first place, or minimizes the effect. We are predicting anywhere from 1 in 10 to 4 in 10 people will be infected this year by H1N1. There is a concern that this may overload the health system as people will be crowding into their primary care providers or Emergency rooms when they come down with it. If you do, best to stay home and rest, and contact health link if your symptoms worsen, or go to the hospital immediately if you develop difficulties briefing or uncontrollable fever.
Last thing, for most people, they'll be sick for a couple of days and just stay at home and be fine with it. However, I want you to think about other people. This strain is bad on pregnant people and those with respiratory conditions. No one wants to be that person that gets their friend or family seriously sick. herd immunity is no longer effective if the population that doesn't get vaccinated rises above 10%. You are also still contagious as long as the cough remains, which could be a full week longer than the rest of the symptoms
If anyone has questions or concerns, message me or pm me, and I can respond with official and and not google information
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