[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Tekst”]In order to provide replies to all the requests for information which we are receiving either by phone o e-mail regarding the A/H1N1 flu and the corresponding vaccination campaign, we intend offering you every few days an update of the information available and of the recommendations from both the Ministry of Health and the Generalitat.
As you may know, different advice is given and different regulations apply in each European country. Here, we shall inform you about the situation in Spain and, more particularly, in the Valencian Region. The first thing to take into account is that the A/N1H1 flu normally develops into a light medical condition and that it is not necessary – nor advisable – for everyone to get vaccinated.
The A/H1N1 flu starts with symptoms similar to those of any type of flu (temperature, cough, muscular pain, headache, throat ache and, sometimes, nauseas and diarrhea) and, in general, the condition is lighter than in the case of the seasonal flu although it seems it could be more contagious (perhaps due to the fact that, as it is a “new” virus, the population’s level of immunity against it is low).
What shall I do if I have flue symptoms? Stay at home, rest and drink sufficient liquid (minimum 1,5 litres per day). If you do not normally have health problems, the condition will pass within a week. Do not get near places where there are lots of people (waiting rooms!), avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Wash your hands regularly. Use disposable tissue hankies when sneezing. Get in touch with your doctor if you have fever for more than 5 days (or 3 days in the case of children over the age of 2, but as soon as the first symptoms appear in the case of toddlers of less than 2 years). If the fever resumes after a few days or if you experience difficulties in breathing, consult a doctor. Should you belong to one of the risk groups, notify your doctor.
Who should be vaccinated? Vaccination is voluntary and, logically, everyone should decide as he/she sees fit. We cannot make a decision in your place. The four risk groups defined at present are: health workers, staff of essential public services (State Security personnel such as police, army, etc., firemen, civil protection services, people working in emergency health services and attention centres for refugees and immigrants), pregnant women and patients with chronic conditions over six months. The latter group includes children or adults suffering from chronic cardiovascular diseases (excluding high blood pressure), respiratory diseases, diabetes type I or II with drug treatment, medium or severe kidney failure, moderate or severe haemoglobinopathy and anaemia, asplenia (absence of spleen). The list also includes advanced chronic liver diseases, severe neuromuscular conditions, patients with a suppressed immune system, people with morbid obesity (BMI – Body Mass Index equal to, or higher than, 40), as well as children under the age of 18 under acetylsalicylic acid treatment due to their risk of developing Reye’s Syndrome.
When does the vaccination start? The vaccination will start on 16th November at national level. It must be stressed that different dates may apply in the various Autonomous Regions. The Valencian Region has just confirmed the date: www.antelagripeactua.gva.es/inicio.
Where does vaccination take place? The vaccination will be carried out in the local health centres, without priorities among the risk groups.
- Each patient belonging to a risk group, who is a resident in Spain and has a SIP card, may go to the local health centre and ask for vaccination. If you don’t have a file in your local health centre you have to ask one from your own GP.
- Patients who are resident in Spain and do not have a SIP card must report at the local health centre and present a certificate from the Town hall stating that they live in the municipality (“certificado de empadronamiento”) as well as a report on their clinical history from their usual GP.
- Patients who are resident in Spain and do not have a SIP card but do have a national private health insurance must report a the local health centre with a report on their clinical history from their usual GP, an identity card and the details of the health insurance. The health insurance will charge the costs directly on the private insurance.
- (New:) Patients who are not resident, but do have the European Health Insurance Card EHIC, must report at the local health centre with a report on their clinical history from their usual GP.
When the number of vaccines necessary to cover all risk groups has been secured, the vaccine will be made available to anyone wishing to get it, with a medical prescription. It is estimated that, by end of December, it will be possible to get monodose vaccines for individual sale at the chemist.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
