NPF New Release re Seasonal & H1N1 Influenzas

[CalamityJane]

Just received:

NATIONAL PSORIASIS FOUNDATION

box of tissuesPsoriasis and flu season
With special information for people taking immunosuppressive drugs

Flu season can be a serious health threat for people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis who are taking drugs that suppress the immune system. The new strain spreading worldwide this year, H1N1 (swine flu), may be even more dangerous.

Seasonal flu is a contagious respiratory illness that can cause mild to severe illness and sometimes death.

2009 H1N1 (swine flu) is a new and different flu virus that may cause more illness or more severe disease than usual.

Take steps to prevent infection

Both types of viruses are spread by close contact with individuals who already have the flu. Protect yourself against infection:

* Get vaccinated: Two separate vaccines are available for seasonal flu and H1N1. Learn more at the Centers for Disease Control Web site.

* Practice good hygiene: Avoid close contact with people who are sick, wash your hands frequently, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. See the CDC's detailed recommendations here.

Special information for patients taking immunosuppressive medication
Patients taking medications that suppress the immune system—including biologic (Amevive, Enbrel, Humira, Remicade, Simponi or Stelara) or non-biologic (cyclosporine-Neoral or methotrexate) drugs—may be more susceptible to all kinds of flu.

If you are taking any of these medications, take the following steps:
* Get vaccinated early
* Receive only attenuated (killed virus) vaccines
* Take more health precautions

Learn more at www.psoriasis.org/h1n1.

   
800.723.9166   info@psoriasis.org   www.psoriasis.org

Jane

[anthropositor]

I would add that the opinion here is that this particular strain also seems to transmit directly through the air with fair facility, so those interested might look into the sticky thread on H1N1 in the General Health section, which will carry some new thoughts, making the procedure simpler, and therefore possible for a greater number of people.  This is particularly important for those for whom there is an inadequate current supply of the vaccine, as seems to be the case in many areas of the U.S.  It is also important for those without resources, who can't afford the shot even when and if it becomes available.  Anyway, more comment when I can get the time, over on the thread in the General Health section.