The H1N1 virus, commonly known as the swine flu, is a topic permeating recent headlines and conversations. While good intention—promoting community health—fuels this commotion, the whirlwind of information is often misconstrued and burdening.Setting straight the swine flu score, Gary Simon, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Division of Infectious Diseases at The George Washington University Medical Center, presented "An H1N1 Influenza Update: What We Know and What We Don’t," as a part of the GW Frontiers in Medicine Lecture Series.
“Influenza is a media frenzy, and that is part of the problem” Dr. Simon began. “We have a media frenzy nearly every year and, while influenza is certainly a serious illness, it’s not the bubonic plague,” he assured.
Dr. Simon outlined the origins and various strains of influenza, explaining that, compared to the seasonal flu, pandemic influenza represents a major shift in the virus subtype, affects a younger population, has a higher transmissibility, and may vary in different geographic regions.
Dr. Simon also described the typical symptoms associated with influenza, including rapid onset and high fever. He noted that the most viral shedding occurs from 24 before to 48 hours after onset of symptoms, making an infected person most contagious during that time. “So,” he joked, “If you are going to be sick tomorrow, go home today.”
While certain groups—including pregnant women and health care personnel—should be prioritized for H1N1 vaccinations, Dr. Simon advocated that everyone be vaccinated, despite rumors challenging the safety of the vaccine. “I am not worried about the quality of the vaccine, but I am worried that they aren’t making it fast enough,” he said. In other words, there are much greater risks associated with not getting the vaccine than from getting it.
Further, Dr. Simon—who has gotten the vaccine himself—clarified that it is impossible to get the flu from the inactivated flu vaccine, or the flu shot. In sum, he said, “Everyone should get vaccinated (if possible), very few people need antiviral medication, if you get influenza, stay home, and, if you get better and then get sick again, come into the hospital right away.”
Dr. Simon’s lecture was the second in a new series called “GW Frontiers in Medicine.” The series, hosted by the GW Medical Center, features renowned medical experts who help guide our understanding of the future of health care and medicine. The series is an opportunity for faculty, staff, students, and friends of the University to hear from and discuss the key issues with some of the brightest minds in medicine today. Mark your calendar for the next lecture on Wednesday, February 10, 2010, when a panel of GW experts will discuss advances in women’s health.
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