Idaho 2009 H1N1 Influenza

During 2009, an H1N1 virus caused the first global pandemic influenza in more than 40 years, resulting in substantial illness, hospitalizations, and deaths throughout the world. In the 2009 H1N1 pandemic influenza virus resulted in 831 cases of disease, 389 hospitalizations, and 23 deaths between September 1, 2009 and June 5, 2010. IDHW helped direct Idaho’s response to this public health threat in conjunction with our public health preparedness and response partners.

The 2009 H1N1 global pandemic was declared over by the World Health Organization in August 2010. Even though the immediate pandemic threat has subsided, the Idaho Division of Public Health recommends a yearly flu vaccination as the first and most important step in protecting yourself against the flu. The seasonal flu vaccine for 2010-2011 will protect you against an H3N2 virus, an influenza B virus and the 2009 H1N1 virus. Shipments of this year’s vaccine from manufacturers have already begun, so it is an opportune time to schedule your flu vaccination for the approaching flu season.

Timeline of the 2009 H1N1 Pandemic Influenza

April 26, 2009: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared a public health emergency as a result of the detection in the United States of 20 known cases of individuals infected with what is now known as 2009 H1N1 pandemic influenza. Idaho Public Health officials begin planning for widespread illnesses and mass vaccination clinics.

May 4, 2009: The first case of 2009 H1N1 pandemic influenza was confirmed in Idaho

June 11, 2009: The World Health Organization declared the first pandemic in more than 40 years in recognition of widespread, sustained human-to-human transmission of the virus in multiple regions around the globe.

October 5, 2009: First shipments of 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccines received in Idaho. Idaho’s Public Health Districts begin vaccination clinics for the public and school children.

August 10, 2010: The World Health Organization declares an end to the 2009 H1N1 global pandemic.

Idaho’s 2009 H1N1 Response:

As the 2009 H1N1 Pandemic Influenza virus continued to spread following the initial May 2009 Idaho infections, IDHW worked with multiple key partners to manage the 2009 H1N1 pandemic influenza response and vaccine campaign. Response activities included:

• Working to educate Idahoans on how to protect themselves from getting and/or spreading the virus
• Increasing laboratory capabilities to provide confirmation testing
• Receiving and redistributing Federal medication and personal protective equipment PPE supplies
• Facilitating the ordering and distribution process for 574,600 doses of 2009 H1N1 pandemic influenzavaccine in the state
• Promoting seasonal and 2009 H1N1 pandemic influenza vaccines

Since the beginning of 2010, flu activity has been relatively low with the vast majority of circulating influenza viruses continuing to be 2009 H1N1 pandemic influenza. With past pandemics, flu activity has occurred in successive waves and Idaho could experience another wave, or, more likely, localized 2009 H1N1 pandemic influenza outbreaks. Although another large wave is unlikely, 2009 H1N1 pandemic influenza has not gone away and we expect that flu activity, caused either by 2009 H1N1 pandemic influenza or seasonal flu viruses, will continue.

Formal evaluations of Idaho’s 2009 H1N1 pandemic influenza response activities have pointed out many strengths as well as areas for improvement. We continue to redefine roles and responsibilities to strengthen public and private partnerships and adjust response activities to improve our ability to meet the public health needs of Idahoans in an emergency.

Idaho’s 2009 H1N1 Pandemic Influenza Response Partners

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Idaho’s seven public health districts,Office of the Governor, Idaho state agencies, hospitals, community health centers, pharmacies, schools, businesses, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Stay Healthy

To help protect yourself and the people you are in contact with from getting the flu, follow these flu prevention tips:

1. Get vaccinated.
   1. Seasonal influenza vaccine.
   2. Pneumococcal vaccine: Influenza makes people more susceptible to bacterial pneumonia. Pneumococcal vaccine can help prevent pneumonia, other illness, and death caused by pneumococcal bacteria. Pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for persons age 65 years and older, all children younger than 24 months of age, and persons age 2 through 64 years who have certain medical conditions.To determine if you are eligible for these vaccines, speak to your local health department or healthcare provider.
2. Cover your cough.
3. Wash your hands frequently.
4. If you have a fever, stay home for at least 24 hours after that fever has ended.

Be Ready

Resources about how Idahoans can protect themselves and their communities from an influenza pandemic can be found in the Be Ready section of this Web site. Helpful information is available for individuals, families, schools, businesses, health care workers, and others.