-
Step 1
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has named groups most at risk from H1N1. These include: pregnant women, those who live with or look after babies under 6 months old, health care professionals, emergency medical services personnel, people aged between 6 months and 24 years and those over the age of 50. For those aged 25 to 64, its recommended for those with chronic health problems or problems with their immune systems.
-
Step 2
The World Health Organisation (WHO) have highlighted three risk groups for severe or fatal illness: women who are pregnant (particularly in 3 rd trimester), kids under 2 and those with chronic lung problems, including asthma. Children suffering with neurological disorders have a heightened risk.
-
Step 3
Many businesses and organisations are recommending mass innoculations. These include all US millitary personnel and many healthcare workers.
-
Step 4
Among some pregnant healthcare workers there are concerns about the impact of the H1N1 vaccination on their unborn child. See resources below for the ongoing situation in New York state where workers are arguing against mandatory vaccinations.
-
Step 5
Six percent of the lives claimed by swine flu since April have been those of pregnant women. Considering that pregnant women only make up 1 per cent of the US population, this is quite a high figure. Because of this, anyone carrying a child needs to think long and hard about whether this is the right decision for them. The National Institutes of Health is currently running a research study. The organisation plans on vaccinating 120 pregnant women; so far - with 60 women tested - there have been serious side effects.
-
Step 6
In October, WHO mentioned concerns over the link between obesity, particularly morbid obesity, with H1N1 complications. The connection isn't really understood, but this group do represent a large percentage of those struck down by this virus.
-
Step 7
Already had swine flu this year? Your body will have developed the specific antibioties to fight this virus. But, if your case of H1N1 wasn't confirmed by lab tests you're best to have a vaccination if your doctor suggests it.
-
Step 8
Have you had already been protected from seasonal flu this year? Studies from Mexico suggest that this may provide some protection against the 2009 strand of H1N1. But before you go cancelling that appointment, early research from Canada hints at this increasing the risk of contracting H1N1.
