Doctor’s Blog

H1N1 Vaccination Update

On January 15, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that “about 11,000 Americans have died of swine flu as of last month.” The World Health Organization’s Executive Board recently reported that although the H1N1 flu virus remains active in many countries, “the overall pattern is decreasing.”

Whether there will be a third wave of H1N1 infections during the late winter and spring months remains to be seen. It is also not clear whether the H1N1 strain will replace other seasonal influenza viruses. To date, about 1 in 5 Americans have been vaccinated against H1N1, according to the government’s first detailed estimates of vaccination rates against this pandemic.

Winter Months Bring Indoor Asthma Triggers

While many people think of allergies as being seasonal (spring and fall), the winter months can wreak havoc for many allergic asthma sufferers. Some asthma patients are very sensitive to indoor allergens, especially when spending more time indoors during the winter and increasing exposure.

Common indoor allergens are dust mites, pets (saliva, hair and dander), molds and cockroach droppings. When inhaled, these allergens can trigger inflammation and obstruction of the airways, making it hard to breathe.

You can help prevent allergy-induced asthma symptoms in the home by implementing a few simple measures. Your asthma medication may also need to be adjusted during the winter months. If you fit this description, we can discuss these steps at your next visit.

Shortage of Pediatric Subspecialists

NJVoices Guest Blog recently reported on a disheartening topic regarding pediatric subspecialists. The American Association of Medical Colleges predicts that by the year 2025, the United States will face a shortage of at least 125,000 physicians for all medical specialties.

Hitting a little closer to home, a recent analysis by the New Jersey Council of Teaching Hospitals already shows critical shortages for most pediatric specialties in New Jersey, including pediatric allergists. This will undoubtedly affect children with allergies and asthma. Over the next decade, the shortages are expected to worsen. For more details, please visit http://blog.nj.com/njv_guest_blog/2010/01/shortage_of_pediatric_speciali.html. A statewide Physician Workforce Policy Task Force convened by the New Jersey Council of Teaching Hospitals has called for the creation of a state Center for Medical and Health Workforce Planning to track and address the shortage.