Dr. Marc Itskowitz Answers Your Swine Flu Questions

Do you have an H1N1 question? E-mail it to webstaff@wpxi.com. General practitioner Dr. Mark Itskowitz will answer some of the bigger questions, and the answers will be on WPXI.com.

Question: If you get the H1N1 virus now does it make you immune to getting it again during the second wave which is expected in the spring?

Answer: We would expect that it would give you immunity to the 2nd or 3rd wave, unless of course the virus would mutate (change). So far, the virus has not changed since it was detected in the Spring.

-- Marc

Question: I am a healthy 22 year old female preparing to visit Europe for the upcoming Holiday season. Should I receive a Swine Flu shot as a precautionary step to avoid getting sick over seas? I am reluctant to receive this vaccine due to possible short and long term side affects. What should I do?

Answer: Stephanie, the CDC does recommend that patients up to age 24 receive the vaccine. You are likely to be exposed to sick people during travel. So you should receive the vaccine if possible before travel.

Short term side effects from the vaccine have been minimal so far but the CDC is monitoring this closely.

-- Marc

Question: Hi, Im 9 weeks pregnant and wondering where i can get the h1n1 vaccine. My OB hasn't received their shipment and they can't tell me when they expect to receive it either.

Im checking to see if there is availability to receive the vaccine in Pittsburgh as I know that pregnant women are suppose to be at the top of the list. Please advise if you have heard chatter out there. Thanks.

Answer: Nicole, we are still waiting for our shipment as well. You could try calling the Allegheny County Health Department. My understanding is that more vaccine will be available in November.

-- Marc

Question: If you've had the swine flu, do you still need to get the vaccine afterwards, or are you immune from getting it again? If you've had the regular flu within the past 6 months, do you still need to get a flu shot?

Answer: Kathy, if you had a confirmed case of H1N1 flu, then it is likely that you will not get it again and do not need the vaccine. If you had a suspected case without lab confirmation, the CDC does recommend that you get the vaccine to make sure you are immune, especially if you are in a high risk group.

Since the seasonal flu changes every year, you should still get the seasonal flu shot to provide protection for this season.

-- Marc