CF Foundation Provides Guidance on Seasonal and H1N1 Influenza
September 22, 2009 - Updated April 26, 2010
The CF Foundation continues to monitor the seasonal and H1N1 flu situation closely.
The Foundation recommends that all people with cystic fibrosis and individuals living with them follow the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on both seasonal and H1N1 flu prevention and vaccination.
Based on the CDC’s recommendations, the Foundation urges everyone with CF and those who live in the same household to:
- Get the 2009 H1N1 vaccine as soon as possible.
- Follow your local care center’s recommendations on getting end-of-season vaccination for seasonal flu. Some communities may still be experiencing seasonal flu. Seasonal flu shots may be especially important if you’re planning to travel to certain areas, or for children under 9 who have only ever had one flu shot.
- Minimize the spread of germs by:
- Cleaning your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand gel.
- Using a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then cleaning your hands.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth since germs are spread that way.
- Staying away from others if you are ill.
- Watch for symptoms of the flu and if they appear, call your doctor. Symptoms include:
- Body aches and headache
- Fever and chills
- Increased cough
- Sore throat
Seasonal and H1N1 Flu Vaccines
The seasonal flu vaccine is an important step in protecting against seasonal flu. Vaccination is especially important for people at high risk of serious flu complications, such as people with CF.
The 2009 seasonal flu vaccine was not designed to protect against the H1N1 flu.
People at greatest risk for H1N1 flu – such as those with CF – should receive the H1N1 vaccine.
Vaccinations for people with CF are generally available at CF care centers. Household members of people with CF also should receive the flu vaccinations. You can find the closest place to receive either the seasonal flu vaccine or H1N1 vaccine from the American Lung Association’s Flu Clinic Locator Web site.
The fastest way to get the H1N1 vaccine may not be through your CF care center.
The best way to protect against seasonal and H1N1 flu is by practicing good infection control. For more information on infection control or vaccinations, talk to your CF doctor.
Additional Resources on Seasonal and H1N1 Flu