The Rheumatology Nurses Society is pleased to announce that Deborah L. Thomas has been named the Society’s new executive director. Debbie brings with her 19 years of non-profit management as executive director for the Maryland SPCA, the Foundation for Baltimore County Public Library and most recently, as Vice-President of Development for the Arthritis Foundation, Maryland Chapter. As a RA patient herself, she strongly identifies with the mission and the vision of the Society. Debbie shares a home in Towson, Maryland with her husband Ed, and family dog Skipper and parrot Squawky.

Take Time to Get Vaccinated

People with certain health conditions may face special medical challenges during flu season. These health conditions include:

It’s important to remember that people who have one or more of the conditions listed above can have a more severe illness from any influenza infection, including illness with the new H1N1 virus.

In addition the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has recommended certain groups receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine as early as possible. These groups include:

• Pregnant women
• People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
• Healthcare and emergency service workers
• People between the ages of 6 months and 24 years of age
• People age 25 through 64 with chronic health disorders or weakened immune systems

This year you will need 2 vaccines - the 2009 seasonal flu vaccine and the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine.

****Remember! The Flu-mist, nasal spray, is a live vaccine and should be avoided by people with immune problems and those on certain medicines. Ask your healthcare team for more information****

When will the flu vaccines be available?

The seasonal flu vaccine should be available around September 21, 2009. The “2009 H1N1” vaccine should be available in mid to late October 2009. If you plan to come to Johns Hopkins for your vaccines, call your clinic coordinator first to check availability of the vaccines.

Can the seasonal vaccine and the novel H1N1 vaccine be given at the same time?

You should be able to receive the seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccines on the same day. However, the seasonal vaccine will be available earlier than the H1N1 vaccine. The usual seasonal influenza viruses are still expected to cause illness this fall and winter. Individuals are encouraged to get their seasonal flu vaccine as soon as it is available.

What else can I do?

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze to keep from spreading flu viruses to others. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• 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.) A fever is defined as 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
• While sick, limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• If you use medications for your condition, continue taking it even if you become sick with the flu, unless your doctor or healthcare provider says otherwise.