The Fayette County Health Department has just received another 400-dose shipment of the H1N1 flu vaccine nasal spray.
The spray is also known as Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV).

The nasal spray will be distributed at the health department on a walk-in basis from 8-11 a.m. and from 12:30-3:30 p.m. while supplies last.

To qualify for the vaccine, persons must be between two and 49 years old with no underlying medical conditions. The nasal vaccine is particularly recommended for healthy children, federal health officials have said.

While the H1N1 flu variant has caused more of a detriment to young people and particularly those who are pregnant, the mortality rate has been far lower than that experienced by the traditional seasonal flu.

Of 292 deaths reported between Aug. 30 and Oct. 10 due to H1N1, 32 percent are of persons 25-49 years old and still another 32 percent fro those ages 50-64 years old. Deaths for those between five and 18 years old account for 14 percent and those between 0 and 4 years old account for just 3 percent of the total deaths nationwide.

Children under 25 account for the majority of patients who have been hospitalized due to H1N1 flu exposure, federal officials have said. From Aug. 30 through Oct. 10, the percentage of H1N1 related hospitalizations from those 0-4 years old was 19 percent; among those 5 years to 18 years was 25%; among people 19 years to 24 years was 9%; among those 25 years to 49 years was 24%; among people 50 to 64 years was 15%; and among people 65 years and older was 7%.

Antiviral medication has been effective in reducing the severe effects of H1N1 flu and can reduce he likelihood that one will get severely ill or hospitalized, according to the national Centers for Disease Control noted that vaccinations are important for people who have asthma and other underlying medical conditions particularly if they develop a fever and cough.

The CDC also recommends anyone who develops flu like symptoms to stay home and away from other people. Health officials also have continuously reminded the public to practice good hygiene by vigorous handwashing and hand sanitizing procedures to help prevent the flu’s spread.

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