One of the more puzzling aspects of the novel H1N1 (swine) flu outbreak is why young people seem to be more susceptible to the disease than their parents and grandparents. This is in contrast to regular seasonal flu which tends to disproportionately strike the old, not the healthy young.

Current studies indicate that the risk for H1N1 flu infection among persons age 65 or older is less than the risk for younger age groups. One possible explanation is that some adults in this age group have had previous exposure to an influenza A (H1N1) virus that is more closely related to the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus. Laboratory studies have shown that no children and very few adults younger than 60 years old have existing antibody to 2009 H1N1 flu virus.

Initially the H1N1 vaccine will be available in limited quantities. Since older people have some immunity, it is recommended that younger at-risk groups of the population receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine when it first becomes available. Because children and young adults are more likely to gather in groups, at school and colleges, they are more vulnerable to catching all types of flu. The disease does not appear to be more severe than seasonal flu but will affect a disproportionate number of young people who will probably get it.

“We’ve recently received good news about the vaccine,” said Lewis Garrett, director of the Davis County Health Department. “The clinical trials show that only one dose of the vaccine is needed for people age 10 and above. That means we may be able to stretch Davis County’s allotment of vaccine beyond the CDC’s targeted groups and eventually open our mass vaccination clinics up to anyone desiring to be vaccinated against the novel H1N1 flu virus.”

“Those people 65 and older make up a sizable group who normally get their seasonal flu shot each year,” he said. “We understand their desire to be vaccinated against H1N1 flu and we look forward to accommodating them right after we’ve taken care of the designated at-risk groups identified by CDC.”

Garrett reminds everyone there are simple yet proven actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner if soap and water are not available. Be sure to wash your hands after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.

• Avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes. Germs spread this way.

• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or cough and sneeze into your elbow. Dispose of tissues in no-touch trash receptacles.

• Keep frequently touched common surfaces clean, such as telephones and doorknobs.

• Don’t spread the flu! Stay home. If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle through rest, diet, exercise, and relaxation.

• Get vaccinated against seasonal flu. As always, a vaccine is available to protect against seasonal influenza. Vaccinations are currently available throughout the community. See the schedule included in this issue of Senior Scoop.