It is hard to predict what will happen this influenza season.

With swine flu and the seasonal influenza as two different strains, it is best to get both vaccines, said Sarah Yonder, a physician for University Health Services.

H1N1 was thought to be a warm-weather virus. But because it is so new, she said, another breakout is not out of the question.

Higher numbers of suspected cases were seen in October, then decreased in December, Yonder said.

“We have the luxury of hindsight right now,” said Dr. Robert Graham, director of the Central Michigan District Health Department. “I would say (H1N1) is no worse than the seasonal flu.”

H1N1 affected a younger crowd, and that is what scared a lot of people, Yonder said.

So far, about 300 children have died from H1N1, along with more than 500 adults nationwide, Graham said.

“It is not something to not worry about,” he said.

The seasonal flu season is just getting under way, Yonder said, as cases tend to increase in the cold-weather months.

Graham said usually, at this time, a peek of seasonal influenza would be seen, but that is not the case. It could come later or just be a mild season, he said.

Yonder said cases of both H1N1 and seasonal flu are declining, but she could start seeing both viruses equally.

“I think it’s going to get tricky,” she said. “We’re going to be treating those the same.”

Yonder said H1N1 and seasonal flu have distinct symptoms. Seasonal usually affects the respiratory system, while H1N1 could include vomiting and other stomach symptoms.

“H1N1 has kind of turned the symptoms of the regular flu on its head,” Yonder said.

Since December, the number of patients visiting Central Michigan Community Hospital with influenza-like illnesses has decreased, said Nicole Sanders, marketing and community relations specialist for CMCH.

If cases begin to increase significantly, a visitor limitation will be instituted, she said.

Vaccines available

As of September, 150 million doses of H1N1 vaccine had been distributed nationwide, compared to about 75 million or 100 million doses of seasonal flu vaccine, Graham said.

Yonder said there is a greater supply of H1N1 vaccines available around the area now.

The supply has increased since the first of December, Graham said.

University Health Services has about 400 H1N1 vaccines and fewer than 100 seasonal flu vaccines available.

“We don’t know what the supply will be in the future,” Yonder said. “The best time to get it is now.”

The cost of a seasonal vaccine at Health Services is $30; H1N1 vaccines are $15.

At the Health Department, seasonal flu vaccines cost $30. The cost can be billed to insurance companies, and the H1N1 vaccines are free, Graham said.

CMCH is currently out of seasonal flu vaccines, but H1N1 vaccines have a $15 administrative fee, said Melanie Allan, infection preventionist.

Don’t leave for break without it

It is important for students to consider getting the vaccines before they leave on spring break, Yonder said.

When traveling, students may come into contact with people who have traveled other places.

“Take your choice. Would you rather spend your vacation in your room with the flu or would you rather be on the beach?” Graham said. “Getting flu shots is worth it.”

E-mail the author: Sarah Schuch