H1N1 and Nonchalance in the Young
Have you noticed nonchalance about seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccines in young adults? The way that H1N1 is affecting those under 25, and the way that patients in that age group seem to treat their own health, could pose a big challenge to NPs trying to keep them healthy. Some young patients may be shocked to find that they aren't invincible when they get the flu.
The ABC News Web site reported today that most hospitalized cases of H1N1 are in patients under 25 (Swine Flu Sends Mostly Under-25s to Hospital: CDC). According to the CDC, 23% of people who die from H1N1 are under 25, whereas in a normal flu year 90% of deaths are in people over 65.
And pregnant women are extremely vulnerable considering this, because they're often in this younger age group and their immune systems are suppressed. The New York Times ran an article Monday that chronicled the frightening story of Aubrey Opdyke, who nearly died from flu and also lost her baby while she was hospitalized for 4 months (Flu Story: A Pregnant Woman’s Ordeal). That article talks about the nonchalance of a younger crowd to the flu. Even Opdyke's physical therapist, after working with Opdyke on her continued recovery, said she wouldn't get the flu vaccine because she worries about its ingredients.
There may be a bit of sensationalism here, but the threat is real. NPs have the communication skills to really help this patient population understand the importance of protecting their health in the face of the flu. But some patients won't want the vaccines. Will you encourage patients to get the vaccines? If not, what will you recommend?