Psoriasis and the flu season

Source: http://www.psoriasis.org/netcommunity/h1n1_09

Psoriasis and flu season

With special information for people taking immunosuppressive drugs

Everyone wants to avoid the aches and pains of flu season—but for people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis who are taking immunosuppressive drugs, influenza can be a much more serious health threat. Learn more now about how to prevent infection.

A worse flu season ahead

There are two kinds of flu you should know about this year.

• Seasonal flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and can sometimes lead to death. Older people, young children, people with certain chronic health conditions and those taking immunosuppressive drugs are at a higher risk for serious complications.
• 2009 H1N1 (swine flu) is a new and very different flu virus that is spreading worldwide. It may cause more illness or more severe disease than usual.

Take steps to prevent infection

Both types of viruses are spread by close contact (i.e. coughing or sneezing) with individuals who already have the flu. Protect yourself against infection:

• Seasonal flu vaccine
  The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends a yearly seasonal flu vaccine as the first and most important step to protect anyone from infection. The vaccine is available beginning in September and through the winter. Details on seasonal flu vaccine.
• H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine
  Additional vaccines for the new H1N1 virus will be available this fall, though exact dates are not known. Check the CDC’s H1N1 page for up-to-date information.
• You must receive both vaccines to be protected from both seasonal and H1N1 flu viruses.
• Practice good habits
  The CDC recommends that you avoid close contact with people who are sick, wash your hands frequently, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. More recommendations from the CDC.

Special information for patients taking immunosuppressants

In most other cases, patients with psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis should follow the recommended schedule of immunization for the general populationavailable on the CDC Web site.

However, patients taking immunosuppressive medication including biologic (Amevive, Enbrel, Humira, Remicade, Simponi or Stelara) or non-biologic (cyclosporine-Neoral or methotrexate) drugs may be more susceptible to all kinds of flu.

If you are taking any of these medications, take the following steps:

• Get vaccinated early
  The same medications that suppress your psoriasis make you more vulnerable to influenza viruses. Make an appointment to be vaccinated as soon as you can.
• Receive only inactivated vaccines
  Both seasonal and H1N1 vaccines come in inactivate and live forms (such as FluMist). People taking immunosuppressive medication should only receive the inactivated vaccines.
• Take more health precautions
  Be sure to closely follow the CDC guidelines for avoiding infection.
• Talk to your doctor
  As always, patients should discuss the risk and benefits of vaccination with their doctor.

Find more information on seasonal flu and on the H1N1 flu at the CDC Web site.