INFLUENZA 2009 - 2010
Influenza season typically begins with a few cases in late September, gradually increases through the fall into winter and peaks in
February.  Cases continue into April.  Infection can occur in any age group, but the severity of illness and the complications are
worse in certain patient groups.  Vaccination is particularly targeted to these people.  

The influenza vaccine is the major method that we use to prevent influenza.  Annual vaccination is recommended for individuals
greater than age 50, children age 6 months to 18 years, pregnant women (or women who may become pregnant during the flu
season) and persons with a variety of chronic illnesses.  These illnesses would include asthma, diabetes, heart disease,
weakened immune system due to any cause as well as others.  Importantly, persons who live with or care for individuals at higher
risk should also be vaccinated.

The vaccine components for 2009 have been altered from the 2007-2008 formulation and contain two type A strains and one type B
strain.  As usual, it is not possible to predict what strain will predominate in the upcoming season.  Antibody protection that results
from vaccination is present by 2 weeks after injection.  An alternative influenza vaccine is a live, attenuated vaccine (LAIV) given by
spray into the nostrils.  Our office will not be offering this vaccine.

The vaccine can cause soreness or swelling at the injection site, and fever or aches are sometimes seen, but serious problems
are very rare.  Vaccination can be given if you have a cold or similar mild illness.  If there is a high fever or more severe illness
vaccination should be delayed.

For those who are not vaccinated and do become ill with influenza, antiviral prescription medicine is available.  This treatment is
most effective if given within 48 hours of onset of illness.  Our impression is that this medicine is effective when given promptly in
the correct situation.  An office appointment would be recommended to receive this medicine.

The influenza vaccine has proven to be a safe and reliable vaccine.  Its yearly administration over time is likely to prevent for some
a nuisance illness and for others a severe illness that could end up with complications.  We do not anticipate any shortages in
supply this year.

Visit www.cdc.gov as it provides useful information about influenza symptoms, disease, and treatment.

Please call and make a nursing appointment for vaccination.
September, 2009
Authors: Drs. Dickensheets and Dailey
North Fulton
Hospital
Northside Hospital
Forsyth
Emory
Johns
Creek
Hospital
Serving Metro Atlanta with offices in:  Cumming, Johns Creek and Roswell
Cumming Office:  (678) 341-8035     Johns Creek Office:  (678) 551-6970     Roswell Office:  (770) 255-1069
Johns Creek, GA,  April 29, 2009
From the Emory Johns Creek Hospital Website

Dr. Titu Das Offers Advice for Avoiding Swine Flu
In the last few days there has been a great deal of attention directed at the recent outbreak of swine flu.  According to Dr. Titu Das,
Infectious Disease physician at Emory Johns Creek Hospital, the severity of cases in the U.S. have been very similar to the severity
of typical seasonal flu and standard flu treatments have been very successful.

“Swine flu is normally passed between pigs,” said Dr. Das. “People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and
do happen.”  Recent cases of human to human transmission have been reported and the CDC has verified more than 100 cases
in the U.S.  Unfortunately, one of those cases has resulted in death of a two-year old in Texas who has underlying health problems.

Dr. Das recommends precautions, but not great alarm.  “Normal flu precautions are always important,” he said.  “The most basic
and the most important precaution is to wash your hands, and to teach your children appropriate hand washing.”

Dr. Das also recommends avoiding close contact with people who are sick and to not touch surfaces that may be contaminated.  
“Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people
may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose,” he said.  “You cannot
get swine flu from eating pork.”

Dr. Das recommends these everyday precautions to protect yourself and your family from getting sick:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw the tissue in the trash after using it.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs spread that way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

According to Dr. Das, symptoms of swine flu are very similar to other types of influenza and include fever, cough, sore throat, body
aches, headache, chills and fatigue.  Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associate with swine flu.  “Like seasonal
flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions,” said Dr. Das.

While there is currently no vaccine available to protect against swine flu, there are some antiviral medications that have been
effective in recent cases.  “The key is to see your doctor right away if you think you are experiencing flu symptoms, so that the
medication can be administered as soon as possible,” said Dr. Das. “If you get sick, the antiviral drugs can make your illness
milder and make you feel better faster, but the medications work best if started within 2 days of getting sick.”

If you do get sick with the flu, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them, said Dr. Das.
INFLUENZA IN 2009
HOME

ABOUT IDSGA

MEDICAL STAFF
  • Michael P. Dailey, M.D.
  • David Dickensheets, M.D.
  • M. Rabiul Alam, M.D.
  • Titu D. Das, M.D.

SERVICES
  • Consultation
  • Office Infusion Center (OIC)

MEDICAL
INFORMATION

OFFICE LOCATIONS