University of Virginia Health System

New Flu Strain Targets Younger People

Since the H1N1 influenza virus spread to the U.S. in April, health experts have recognized a curious trend: Older adults are less affected by the virus than young people. According to recent health reports, most cases of H1N1 infections are among people ages 5 to 24.

Not the Usual Targets

It's unusual for more severe cases of a flu virus to primarily affect the young. With seasonal flu, older adults are a prime target. About 60 percent of people hospitalized with seasonal flu complications are older than 65. However, only a few H1N1 cases and few deaths have been reported in people 65 and older. Experts are still studying reasons for this difference. They believe older adults may have partial immunity to the H1N1 strain due to a possible exposure to another H1N1 flu strain that circulated before 1957.

Children younger than 5 and children with underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or asthma, are at particular risk for complications of the H1N1 virus, along with pregnant women.

What Can I Do to Protect Myself and My Family?

The H1N1 virus is spread from person to person, similar to the seasonal flu. People with the H1N1 flu virus may be contagious one day before showing symptoms and up to seven days after getting sick. Children may be contagious for even longer periods of time. Because it may be impossible to tell whether someone is carrying the virus, it's important for people of all ages to protect themselves from it at all times.

Health experts say that common sense steps are a good prevention strategy. One area to focus on is your children. A new report shows that children are often the ones who carry viruses into homes. Experts believe that improving kids' hygiene habits will help stop the spread of the virus. Here are some tips to try:

• Teach your children to wash their hands often and thoroughly. If they tend to rush hand washing, have them sing a short song like "Happy Birthday" while they're lathering their hands. It will help ensure they wash long enough. If they forget to wash, put up reminder signs at their eye level to encourage healthy habits.
• Hang and assign different colored hand towels for each family member.
• Purchase child-friendly soaps that are designed to appeal to kids.
• Have children carry and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer for times they can't wash their hands.
• Instruct children to sneeze or cough into their shirt sleeves or elbows instead of their hands if they don't have a tissue. Hands are more likely to spread germs. They should also avoid touching their eyes, noses and mouths.
• Try to keep children away from friends, family and classmates who are sick.

Also, consider getting your family vaccinated against the H1N1 and seasonal flu viruses this fall. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved several 2009 H1N1 vaccines, which are offered in some states for certain people. Ask your doctor if the 2009 H1N1 vaccine is available. If it is, your doctor can tell you if you should receive the vaccine.

If you have questions about the flu or when and how to get treatment for the flu, call UVA's flu hotline (243.7389 or 888.882.7990) 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information about the flu and other children's health issues, visit www.uvachildrenshospital.com.

Always consult your physician for more information.