Disabilities and the Flu

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Disabilities and the Flu

http://media-newswire.com/release_1105904.html

(Media-Newswire.com) - Having a disability alone may not place someone at higher

risk for complications from the H1N1 virus, but other factors may put a person

with disabilities at higher risk. You may be at risk if you are a:

Young child

Pregnant woman

Person with arthritis

Person with asthma

Person with cancer

Person with diabetes

Person with heart disease

Person with HIV/AIDS

Additionally, among people with disabilities, the following groups are at higher

risk of acquiring the H1N1 infection:

People who have difficultly breathing ( ventilator users and individuals with

asthma and other respiratory conditions this could include individuals with a

range of disabilities such as intellectual and developmental disabilities,

cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, seizure disorders, and me tabolic conditions

).

People who have difficulty fighting infections or who are immunocompromised (

individuals with HIV, cancer, and other types of immune suppression,or

individuals using immunosuppressive medications ).

People of any age who have chronic health conditions ( heart disease, metabolic

[i.e., diabetes], renal, hepatic, hematological [i.e. sickle cell anemia],

pulmonary, or neurological disorders ).

People who have pharmacological dependency.

People younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy

due to their risk of developing Reye's Syndrome.

Children prone to dehydration from poor nutritional and fluid intake caused by

prolonged vomiting and diarrhea, or underlying metabolic conditions.

Reduce Your Risk of Flu Infection

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the

tissue in the trash after you use it. Wash your hands often with soap and water,

especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also

effective.

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

Try to minimize contact with other persons who might be ill with 2009 H1N1 flu.

Follow local public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and

other social distancing measures based on illness in specific communities.

Maintain your health and if prescribed, continue to take antiretrovirals or

antimicrobial prophylaxis against opportunistic infection.

Vaccination

If you are in a high priority group for the H1N1 flu vaccine, you should be

vaccinated for the H1N1 flu ( see flu locator ) as soon as possible. If not in a

high priority group, you should get the H1N1 vaccine when it be comes available

to you. You should get vaccinated against the seasonal flu now.

Antiviral Drugs

Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines ( pills, liquid or an inhaler ) that

can be used to treat H1N1 ( Swine ) flu, or to prevent infection with H1N1 flu

viruses. These medications must be prescribed by a health care professional. If

you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel

better faster. They may also prevent serious influenza complications. The sooner

a sick person is treated with an antiviral, the greater effect it will have on

the patient's recovery.

Influenza antiviral drugs also can be used to prevent influenza when they are

given to a person who is not ill, but who has been or may be near a person with

influenza. When used to prevent the flu, antiviral drugs are about 70% to 90%

effective.

Information for Care Providers

If you provide care for a person with disabilities, it is important that you

take steps to prevent that person from getting the flu and provide help if

he/she becomes ill. You should also take all the necessary precautions to

protect yourself against H1N1 flu.

Members of the direct care workforce that provide self-directed services can

take steps to help prevent the transmission of the virus among seniors and

individuals with disabilities that they serve.