ECISD nurses learn about H1N1 flu

The H1N1 swine flu is likely to return this fall, and ECISD nurses received training on the virus Tuesday at Odessa Regional Medical Center.

Dr. Tara Gonzales, who represents vaccine maker Medimmune LLC, told those present that the situation with the new flu strain is still evolving. However, vaccines should be available by October. Unfortunately, the public will have to take the H1N1 vaccine separate from the regular seasonal flu shot. The vaccines can be either done at the same time in different parts of the body or taken 30 days apart.

Children 9 years of age or younger will need to get two vaccines to ensure proper immunity. The vaccine is a combination of a variety of viruses, making the nickname "swine" flu technically incorrect. Gonzales said the H1N1 strain includes a piece of bird flu that was transmitted to pigs in 1998, a strain that went from birds to people in 1968 and then to pigs in 1998, a bird flu that went to pigs in 1918 and another strain of bird flu that went to pigs in 1979.

What makes this particular strain of flu a bit scary is that 80 percent of those hospitalized are under 50 years of age. The median age is actually 19, with 37 the median age for death from the virus.

ECISD Health Services Director Laura Mathew said both pregnant women and children are considered most at risk, and the district will take steps to inoculate staff and kids.

"The state health department has guaranteed us as many as we need. We are just now beginning the education process," she said. Mathew said ECISD can’t force employees or students to take the vaccine, though it will be strongly encouraged.

The district will promote the availability of vaccine once they are received later in the fall, but she said most likely children with underlying conditions like asthma will be prioritized as a top priority. She said the district will educate parents at school and provide more information at home as well — though much of the plan is still under development because human testing is ongoing in Houston. The testing will determine final recommendations for what schools should do if a student shows signs of the H1N1 flu. Regardless, getting a vaccine is the only way to prevent the illness.

"If you wash your hands, as soon as you touch a door, they are dirty again," Mathew said.

Ector County Health Department Public Health Manager Miguel Escobedo said the department will join with the state in launching an education campaign. A meeting Aug. 25 will include the health department and other local health organizations in an attempt to reach some consistency in dealing with the virus.

Many in the room gasped when Gonzales said the latest information shows the H1N1 virus may becoming resistant to the antiviral drug Tamiflu. Responding to questions about the safety testing being done on the vaccine, she said people shouldn’t be concerned.

"There is the same degree of testing going on as with the other strains of flu," she said.