Seniors and the H1N1 Virus

Seniors at Low Risk for the H1N1 Virus

One health issue that has dominated the news recently and raised substantial awareness is the H1N1 virus. The H1N1 is an influenza virus that has spread throughout the world infecting nearly 5,000 and killing 292 this season in the U.S. alone¹. It was originally referred to as the “Swine Flu” virus because it was thought to have originated in pigs. Later studies showed the recent strand to contain genes from pigs, birds and humans². The more accurate term that has since been adopted is H1N1.

Though seniors are generally disproportionately vulnerable to the seasonal flu, studies have shown that this is not the case with the H1N1 virus. In fact, seniors are not even listed among the high-priority cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that those between the ages of 5 and 18 have been most affected by hospitalizations (26%). Those aged 25 to 49 and 0 to 4 were next in line at 24% and 19% respectively. Highest death rates have occurred among those between the ages of 25 and 64 (64%). 14% of deaths were in the 5 to 18 group. Seniors (65 and older) only make up 7% of hospitalizations and 12 % of deaths due to the H1N1 virus.³

The new H1N1 vaccine, which is gradually becoming available, will be administered first to the following high risk groups.

• Pregnant women
• Caregivers and those in close contact with infants 6 months and younger. Since babies cannot be vaccinated, it is important to protect those in close contact with this high-risk group.
• Health care workers
• Children and young adults from 6 months to 24 years of age
• Persons of any age with health conditions that may result in complications from influenza

Reports thus far have shown the above groups are most affected by H1N1 virus. It has been speculated that the older population may have developed immunity from exposure to previous forms of this type of virus. If however you are 65 years and older and have specific health conditions that put you at risk for complications from any type of flu, you should receive the H1N1 vaccine as soon as it becomes available.

Health conditions that may place an individual at higher risk for H1N1 complications include:

• Cancer
• Chronic lung disease
• Blood, kidney or liver disorder
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Neurological and Neuromuscular disorders
• Weakened Immune system (e.g. from AIDs or HIV)

Seniors who do not have any of the above conditions and wish to get the H1N1 vaccine may do so after the priority groups have been served. However, it is recommended by the CDC that seniors get the seasonal flu vaccine as soon as possible (see "How to Protect Yourself From the Seasonal Flu"). It is also important to note that the seasonal flu shot does not protect one from the H1N1 virus and vice-versa. For more information, visit www.cdc.gov or www.flu.gov.

1. Hospitalization and mortality rates are laboratory confirmed, 2009 H1N1 from August 30th, 2009 to October 10th, 2009.
2. www.flu.gov
3. www.cdc.gov