The threat of a global influenza pandemic is one of the greatest public health threats we face today. As the Ranking Republican of the Health Subcommittee, I have been actively involved in the Congressional response to the outbreak and receive regular briefings from the Centers for Disease Control and the Department of Human Services. With the CDC now listing Georgia as a ‘widespread’ category – the highest alert level, I have also been monitoring distribution plans to make sure we get our share of the vaccine. As we move into the coming months generally marked by a surge in flu activity, I encourage all of my constituents to remain acutely aware of the potential for serious illness associated with this dangerous strain of influenza.

Since the rise of the novel H1N1 influenza strain began to surface earlier this year, local, state, federal and international authorities have taken aggressive steps to mitigate the spread of the virus and to respond to those who have become sickened. Coordinated in large part by response plans put into place in 2006 to combat a similar situation, the H5N1 ‘avian’ flu, efforts in responding to this situation have been streamlined, but much remains left to be done. Congress working in close collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as state and local health authorities, continues to closely monitor events as they unfold. On September 15, 2009, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius testified before the Energy and Commerce Committee as a follow-up to a hearing held last spring when little was known about the H1N1 strain. Since then, key characteristics of the strain have been defined, response plans have been implemented, and a voluntary vaccination campaign to safeguard against H1N1 will be underway in the coming days.

As Georgia and other areas of the South have already witnessed, this easily-transmissible strain continues to spread, particularly as students of all ages have returned to classes. With these circumstances in mind, now is the time to ensure you and your family are taking appropriate steps to safeguard against infection.

The most effective protection against becoming ill is being vaccinated. In order to be fully protected this year, the CDC recommends that you receive two vaccinations, one which will safeguard against seasonal flu strains and another specifically designed to combat the H1N1 strain. It is important to note that vaccination against seasonal influenza will not protect you against the H1N1 strain. Most recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a vaccine for the H1N1 strain and will begin distribution to public health officials nationwide in the coming days. Although sufficient supply of the vaccine is expected this season, initial priority has been placed on vaccination of healthcare workers, pregnant women, children from 6 months to 24 years, and adults over the age of 64, all of whom CDC has determined will be at the greatest risk for infection and serious illness as a result. Further, special authorizations have been put into place by the federal government to approve the use of antiviral medications to combat the H1N1 strain, such as Tamiflu and Relenza.

It sounds simple, but it is extremely important to remember to do the following things every single day, most of which we were taught as children: 1.) Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze; 2.) Wash your hands often; 3.) Avoid touching your eyes and mouth; 4.) Avoid contact with those already infected or sick; 5.) Stay home if you are sick. In addition, follow public health advice regarding school closures and avoiding crowds. The CDC also recommends use of instant hand sanitizer gels which are effective in reducing your risk of exposure while in public.

As this situation continues to unfold, it is critical we all do our part to help safeguard our families and communities from the H1N1 flu virus this season. For those seeking additional information regarding the H1N1 strain, I encourage you to visit www.flu.gov and/or www.health.state.ga.us/h1n1flu.