PartnerMD H1N1 Flu Guide

PartnerMD is now able to offer the H1N1 flu vaccine to all members because high-risk patients have been vaccinated and supplies of the vaccine are more readily available. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is encouraging everyone to receive the vaccine. While H1N1 flu activity has steadily decreased over the past several weeks, an additional wave of H1N1 flu is possible.

Target vaccination groups
Those in the below groups were targeted by the CDC for the first wave of vaccinations. While vaccinations are now open to all, those in these groups who haen't been vaccinated should consider doing so promptly:

• Pregnant women
• People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
• Health care and emergency medical services personnel
• People between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old
• People ages 25 through 64 who are at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems – such as chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes – or those taking medication/undergoing treatment that adversely affects their immune system, such as chemotherapy.

Vaccination requests
If you would like to schedule a vaccination or you have questions about the H1N1 flu, we’re here to help. Please call the appointment line in Richmond at (804) 282-2655 or in McLean at (703) 288-3750. (PartnerMD's Richmond office will be offering H1N1 flu vaccine walk-in clinics to all members during regular business hours on Wednesday, Dec. 30 and Thursday, Dec. 31.)  

Flu symptoms & treatment
H1N1 flu symptoms are similar to seasonal flu symptoms, including high fever (100.4F or higher), lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, please contact PartnerMD at (804) 282-2655 for the Richmond location and (703) 288-3750 for the McLean location. We will evaluate your symptoms and risk factors and advise you if we feel you should be evaluated in the office. Please be aware that the anti-viral drug Tamiflu is reserved for treating only those in high-risk groups, per CDC guidelines. Learn more about Tamiflu guidelines at www.partnermd.com/tamiflu.aspx.

Seasonal flu shots
Seasonal flu shots are still available during normal business hours, by calling (804) 282-2655 for the Richmond location and (703) 288-3750 for the McLean location. The vaccines for seasonal flu and H1N1 flu that PartnerMD will be distributing do not confer immunity against the other virus; therefore both are separate influenza strains, and both vaccines are recommended for high-risk groups.

Additional resources
For additional information on the H1N1 flu and vaccines, please consult CDC resources at www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/.