Information about the influenza A(H1N1)v virus,
also referred to as ‘swine flu’
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Instructions on home care of influenza A (H1N1)v and when to seek treatment
It is becoming increasingly clear that influenza A (H1N1)v is comparable in severity to the normal seasonal influenza. Persons who present with mild symptoms and do not belong to the high-risk groups as a rule do not need a doctor’s diagnosis or drug treatment. They will get better by staying at home to rest for about one week. It is recommended to stay at home until the fever has disappeared and other symptoms subside. However, influenza A (H1N1) will probably affect a larger percentage of the population than the normal seasonal influenza.
If you suspect that you have contracted this disease, commonly known as ‘swine flu’, first read the home care instructions.
Contact the helpline at tel. +358 8 6156 6000 if you belong to a high-risk group or if your symptoms are such that you feel you need a consultation as to whether you require treatment.
If necessary, phone your local health centre or occupational health care surgery for an assessment of the need for medication or other treatment.
If you present with symptoms requiring immediate treatment, see a doctor as soon as possible.
Nurse on call and helpline, tel. +358 8 6156 6000.
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Arrangements for influenza A (H1N1) inoculations 2009
Inoculations of health care personnel and pregnant women have already begun. Maternity clinics are contacting pregnant women individually. Medical and health care personnel at private social and health care institutions and those employees belonging to high-risk groups whose occupational health care does not provide for inoculations can go to a public inoculation venue to get their shots. This vaccine can be taken at the same time as the seasonal influenza vaccine.
Inoculations of medical high-risk groups will begin in week 45 (from 2 November 2009). The medical high-risk groups are:
- Patients with a cardiac or pulmonary condition requiring regular medication.
- Patients with a chronic metabolic condition such as diabetes or chronic adrenal insufficiency. The high-risk groups include several other chronic metabolic conditions, such as chronic alfa-antitrypsin deficiency or hereditary angio-oedema.
- Patients with a chronic liver condition or renal insufficiency.
- Patients with a condition that weakens resistance, such as leukaemia, lymphoma, HIV or splenectomy aftercare.
- Patients undergoing treatment that weakens resistance, for instance in connection with an organ transplant, cancer or rheumatoid arthritis.
- Patients with a chronic neurological condition or a neuromuscular disease.
A chronic neurological condition is especially difficult for influenza patients if it causes respiratory problems. MS patients, for instance, are also recommended to take the vaccine, since an infection would probably exacerbate the underlying condition.
Inoculations of persons in the high-risk groups aged between 6 months and 64 years will be begun in week 45. Inoculations of healthy small children (aged between 6 and 35 months) will be begun in week 47. Book an appointment with your child care clinic. Inoculations of healthy children and young adults (aged between 3 and 24 years) will be begun in week 48. Children under school age will be inoculated at child care clinics, school pupils at comprehensive schools, and students at student health care facilities. Detailed timetables will be published separately for each school, and the parents or guardians of underage children will be requested to give their written permission for the inoculation. Those who fall within this age group but are not students can go to their local health centre to be inoculated.
Inoculations of persons in the high-risk groups aged over 65 will begin in week 49. The inoculations are being carried out in accordance with national guidelines; it will be decided later whether the entire population needs to be inoculated. The progress of inoculations depends on the availability of the vaccine. Carrying out the inoculations will require a reduction in medical examinations for children over the age of 1, school pupils and students.
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Information of the Kainuu inoculation arragments is not updated in English. Information is available only in the Finnish pages:
http://maakunta.kainuu.fi/rokotusjarjestelyt
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Additional Information
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