Seniors over the age of 65 will not be receiving the H1N1 vaccine for the swine flu when it arrives in October. The reasoning behind this is the apparently higher susceptibility of kids and young adults ages 5 to 24 and the limited amount of vaccine available.
Of the 120 million doses ordered, only about 45 million will actually arrive during the flu season. As a result, there will be rationing of the vaccine determined by your local health authorities. The CDC is recommending that the shots be delivered in the following priority:
* Pregnant women as the flu can have serious adverse effects on the unborn child.
* Care givers to children under 6 months old. Children of this age cannot tolerate the vaccine so to help limit their exposure, their care givers will be vaccinated.
* Health care workers. A no brainer.
* Children and young adults ages 6 months to 24. This appears to be the target group of H1N1.
* Persons age 24 to 64 with underlying health issues like asthma, kidney disease and heart problems.
That leaves a huge portion of the population totally unprotected. However, if the flu is predominantly striking those in the 6 months to 24 years group, what's the big deal?
The big deal is that persons over 65 that do contract the disease are 35 times more likely to die from it than the 6 month to 24 years old group.
What this means is that seniors will have to be especially vigilant in practicing flu prevention this season. The regular seasonal flu shot will not protect them from H1N1 but seniors should absolutely get them. If they have the seasonal shot and come down with flu like symptoms, they should immediately contact their doctor as it is likely they have contracted swine flu.
If you are a senior or you care for a senior, you need a plan on how to make it through the season minimizing your exposure. Better to plan now than after the flu is in full swing.
Did you know a family of four has an 80 percent chance of having at least one member become infected with H1N1? Do you know the best prevention methods? Do you know how to treat swine flu and when to call the doctor?
For the answer to these questions and much much more go to http://swineflu911.info for a comprehensive report on how to survive the flu pandemic.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rachel_Willson
