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H1N1 Deaths Linked to Pneumonia

Amanda Sowell, PharmD Candidate Class of 2010

South Carolina College of Pharmacy at the University of South Carolina

Prepared during Consumer Health Information Corporation Clerkship

McLean, VA

 

Everyone is worried about H1N1 flu these days.  People are lining up to get the seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccines thinking that they are totally protected.  However, some of the deaths from H1N1 flu are due to pneumonia. Many people do not know that some of these deaths could be prevented. 

“Our influenza season is off to a fast start and unfortunately there will be

more cases of bacterial infections in people suffering from influenza.”

- Matthew Moore, MD, Epidemiologist with the CDC
September 30, 2009

 

“Since we expect increased influenza cases overall this fall,

pneumococcal vaccination is that much more important,”

- William Schaffner, MD, Infectious Disease Expert and

     Director of Preventative Medicine at Vanderbilt University    
September 10, 2009

Many people who get the seasonal flu or the H1N1 flu might also get pneumonia. Pneumonia is an infection in your lungs. It may be caused by a virus or bacteria. Bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) can be deadly. It may lead to a very serious type of pneumonia called invasive pneumonia. Once the bacteria go deep into the lungs, it may spread into the blood or around the brain.  These infections are very serious and may lead to death.  Most of these deaths occur in older people and people with weak immune systems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently published a study.  It showed that 22 of 77 people who died after having the H1N1 flu had a bacterial pneumonia that led to their deaths. Almost half of those pneumonia cases were caused by pneumococcus.

 

70 Million At Risk

“Both the public and unfortunately health care workers are inadequately informed. 

They simply do not know this vaccine is available.”

- Gregory Poland, MD, Director, Mayo Vaccine Research Group

October 18, 2004

According to the CDC, almost 70 million people who should get the pneumococcal vaccine have not done so. These 70 million are at higher risk of death caused by pneumococcal infections. Getting the vaccine would help protect them.

 

The Pneumococcal Vaccine

The vaccine is safe and effective and has been used for many years. The pneumococcal vaccine can be given on the same day as the seasonal or H1N1 flu vaccines.  However, the pneumococcal vaccine does not need to be given every year like the flu vaccine.  Adults only need 1 or 2 doses for a lifetime.

The vaccine may have some side effects. Most of the side effects are mild and last less than 48 hours.  The most common side effects are pain, redness, swelling, and warmth where the shot was given.  Some people also get a fever, headache, or muscle pain.  The vaccine may cause other rare side effects.  A small number people may be allergic to the vaccine and should not get it.  Your doctor or pharmacist can give you more information before you decide to get the vaccine.  You will not get pneumococcal disease from the vaccine.

 

Who Should Get the Vaccine and When Should They Get It? 

The vaccine is approved by the FDA to be used routinely in people 50 years and older. It is also approved by the FDA to be used in people 2 years and older with certain health problems.

The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is a panel of experts that makes recommendations for the use of vaccines. The ACIP recommends that only certain people should get the pneumococcal vaccine. The following people are at highest risk of death from pneumococcal infections because they have a weaker immune system:

  • People over the age of 65
  • People over the age of 2 with certain long term health problems like heart disease,
    lung disease, diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, sickle cell disease, alcoholism,
    spinal fluid leaks, and people without a spleen
  • Residents of nursing homes or long-term care facilities
  • People between the ages of 19 and 64 who have asthma or smoke cigarettes
  • Other health problems including HIV infection, certain types of cancer, people who
    have had an organ or bone marrow transplant, and people taking medications that
    weaken the immune system.   

The pneumococcal vaccine is not recommended for healthy people under the age of 65.  Check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if you should get it.

 

Who Should Get a Second Dose?

 

People who are 65 years or older when they get the vaccine do not need a second dose. People that get the vaccine before they turn 65 should get a second dose after they turn 65. They should wait at least 5 years before they get the second dose. This is because antibody levels after the vaccine remain high for at least 5 years after the vaccine.

 

What About Pregnant Women?

 

Pregnant women are advised to get the seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccines. The safety of the pneumococcal vaccine has not been studied in pregnant women. Women at high risk for pneumococcal infections should get the vaccine before they become pregnant. 

 

What About Babies?

 

Babies should also be vaccinated. The vaccine given to babies is different than the one given to adults.  Babies need a total of four doses. They should get one at 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months of age.  The final dose should be given between 12-15 months of age.  Check with your child’s doctor to make sure they get all the vaccines they need.

 

Know How to Protect Yourself

 

Even if you do get the pneumococcal vaccine, take several additional precautions to help prevent the seasonal and H1N1 flu.  The CDC recommends the following actions:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 15-20 seconds.  If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol based hand gel. 
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough. Throw the tissue away after you use it.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Bacteria and viruses can enter through these areas. 
  • Avoid contact with sick people.
  • Use sanitizing wipes to clean surfaces touched by others like keyboards, telephones, doorknobs, counter tops, and grocery carts.

Pneumococcal infections are to blame for many deaths associated with the flu every year.  Don’t be one of 70 million at high risk of death without the vaccine.  Ask your doctor or pharmacist today if the pneumococcal vaccine is right for you.

 

© 2009 Consumer Health Information Corporation. All rights reserved.