Story Created:
Sep 1, 2009 at 10:34 PM EST
Story Updated:
Sep 1, 2009 at 10:34 PM EST
ROME, N.Y. (WKTV) - A Rome Hospital Doctor laid out the good and the bad news regarding the the H1N1 during a public discussion at Mohawk Valley Community College's Rome campus. The good news is is there are ways to prevent infection, and there is a vaccine on the way. The bad news is how much of the vaccine will be available.
Chief Medical Officer and Infectious Disease Specialist for Rome Hospital, Doctor Waleed Albert, says the H1N1 virus is different from the old seasonal flu, mainly because it affects a different age group of people. Albert says the vaccine for H1N1 is coming next month, but there are two problems. The first problem is it will be given out on a priority basis including: pregnant women; health professionals; people who are caring for young children; and anyone in the age range of 6-24
According to Dr. Albert, the other problem with the vaccine is it's unclear how well the vaccine will work. "Current studies are being conducted to see the level of immunity that will produced by that," Albert said. "There is no clear cut answer. Is it 60% immune? 100% immune? We don't know that."
What the doctor does know is that work is underway to control the virus, and his long term diagnosis of H1N1 is optimistic. "It is going to become like the seasonal flu," Albert said. "In two or three years we will be talking about it as a history. Saying 'Oh okay another flu.'"
Dr. Albert says because the H1N1 virus is spread very easily and very fast the best way to prevent spreading it is to wash your hands on a regular basis. He says if that is not possible, then it is a good idea to use hand sanitizer.
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