2009 H1N1 Flu (referred to as “swine flu” early on) and Seasonal Flu Information for Rheumatology Health Professionals

2009 H1N1 Flu (referred to as “swine flu” early on) and Seasonal Flu Information for Rheumatology Health Professionals
October 15, 2009, 11:00 AM ET

Are my patients with inflammatory arthritis and rheumatic diseases at high risk for 2009 H1N1 influenza?
People with immunosuppression, either from their medical condition (e.g. inflammatory rheumatic disease) or due to medications, are at high risk for both seasonal and 2009 H1N1 influenza-related complications1,2. Medications that can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of influenza-related complications include corticosteroids, disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and biological response modifiers. Although the exact type and severity of immune dysfunction that correlates with risk of influenza-associated complications has not been well defined, patients with more severe immunosuppression are predisposed to serious complications such as prolonged or increased severity of illness. CDC estimates that almost 6 million adults may be at risk for influenza-related complications because they have inflammatory rheumatic disease.

abrir aquí para acceder al documento CDC completo:
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/arthritis_clinicians.htm