People with Disabilities at Higher Risk from Swine Flu
By Barbara Bobbi Linn
People with disabilities (PWDs), especially children, are
at high risk for the H1N1 virus and should be among the first groups to have
both the seasonal flu vaccination as well as the H1N1 immunization.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
recommends that people first have the seasonal flu shot, which is currently
available, and then be immunized for the H1N1 virus, also known as the swine
flu.
Since April 2009, when the H1N1 infection was initially
identified, the number of children with disabilities who have died from this
strain of the virus has doubled. According to a report from the U.S. Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, of the first 36 U.S. children to die of the
swine flu, almost two-thirds had epilepsy, cerebral palsy or other
neurodevelopmental conditions. The Associated Press reported that, in a
previous flu season, only a third of the children who died of the flu had
underlying conditions. The term "underlying conditions" usually refers to PWDs.
Individuals unable to produce a cough hard enough to clear
their airways are at greatest risk from this newest flu strain. According to a
September report by HealthDay News, researchers have confirmed previous reports
that the H1N1 virus goes deeper into the lungs than ordinary seasonal flu, a
possible explanation for why its effects are often more severe in people with
disabilities.
People over age 24 may have some immunity to the H1N1
virus. Thus far, information analyzed by CDC supports the conclusion that 2009
H1N1 flu has caused a greater disease burden in people younger than 25 years of
age than in older people. Pregnancy and other previously recognized high-risk
medical conditions from seasonal influenza appear to be associated with the
increased risk of complications from the strain. The Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention identify these groups as “people at high
risk”: pregnant, adults with HIV infection, people with diabetes, people
with cardiovascular disease, people with asthma and people with other medical
conditions during flu season.
The CDC Web site, www.cdc.gov, has up-to-date information not only
about the H1N1 virus, but many other medical issues. The site refers deaf and
hard-of-hearing individuals to www.deafmd.org, a signed Web site whose
mission is to provide clear and concise health education in American Sign
Language to promote the overall wellness of the deaf and hard-of-hearing
community. This site has information about the H1N1virus.
Current key indicators show that influenza activity has
increased in the United States compared to prior weeks. At press time, 26
states reported widespread influenza activity, an unusual trend for the month
of September.
According to the CDC, there are everyday actions that can
help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses such as
influenza. To protect your health:
-- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough
or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
-- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and
water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
-- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread
this way.
-- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you are sick with flulike illness, CDC recommends that
you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get
medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the
use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to
keep from making others sick.
People with disabilities are advised to protect themselves
as much as possible and to be in touch with a competent doctor, one who
understands the ramifications of the flu on their disabilities. PWDs who
experience any flu symptoms, such as fever, body aches, runny or stuffy nose,
sore throat, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, are advised to immediately call
their health care provider.
Barbara Bobbi Linn is the founding executive director
of the Bronx Independent Living Services and served as chairwoman of the New
York State Independent Living Council. She is the author of ”Ode to a Diet
Coke: Disability, Choices and Control." |
