H1N1 Swine Flu Vaccinations Recommended For Patients With Myelodysplastic Syndromes
The United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has begun a vaccination campaign against both the seasonal influenza virus and the H1N1 (swine flu) virus. Patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are recommended to receive both flu shots, in addition to a vaccine for pneumonia for flu-related complications. The flu shots may be administered simultaneously at different injection sites on the body.
The H1N1 flu, originally known as the swine flu, is responsible for thousands of hospitalizations and more than 170 deaths since the spring. Symptoms of the H1N1 flu and the seasonal flu are similar and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headache, chills, tiredness, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.
Blood disorders and cancer can increase complications due to the flu. Therefore, MDS patients should take extra precautions to avoid the H1N1 flu and the seasonal flu.
A vaccine for the H1N1 virus is currently undergoing clinical trials and is expected to be available to patients in mid-October. The CDC hoped to have 120 million doses of the H1N1 vaccine available by October 15. However, delays in the manufacturing process have reduced the expected number to only 45 million doses.
It is also still unknown if patients will need one or two doses to receive immunity against H1N1. Initial results from clinical trials conducted in the U.S. suggest that a single dose of the H1N1 vaccination is effective within eight to ten days.
Due to limitations in dose quantities, the CDC is targeting select population groups in the initial round of vaccinations. Patients with MDS are advised to receive the seasonal influenza and H1N1 vaccinations, due to an increased risk for influenza-related complications.
If a person develops H1N1, it can be treated with an antiviral drug, either Relenza (zanamivir) or Tamiflu (oseltamivir). Treatment is most effective if started within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.
For more information about the H1N1 virus, please visit the Cancer Consultants Web site and the CDC Web site.
Related Articles:
- The H1N1 Swine Flu Vaccine And Myelodysplastic Syndromes: A Comprehensive Review
- Vidaza and Dacogen Effective In MDS Patients With Decreased Kidney Function (ASCO 2009)
- Recommended Revlimid Starting Dose Is More Effective Than Low-Dose Revlimid For Myelodysplastic Syndromes (ASH 2009)
- Beacon NewsFlashes – January 27, 2010
- Phase 2 Study Shows Combination Therapy Of Zolinza With Idarubicin And High-Dose Cytarabine Effective For MDS (ASCO 2009)
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