Persons with Disabilities
The term “disability” refers to limited physical or cognitive capacity. It includes people with neurological and neuro-developmental conditions, such as disorders of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerve, and muscle (e.g., cerebral palsy, epilepsy/seizure disorders, stroke, intellectual disability/mental retardation); moderate to severe developmental delay; muscular dystrophy; and spinal cord injury. These chronic conditions interfere with functional capacity. "Disability" also includes people with other chronic health conditions that interfere with functional capacity.
Having a disability alone may not place someone at higher risk for complications from the H1N1 virus, but other factors may put a person with disabilities at higher risk. You may be at risk if you are a:
- Young child
- Pregnant woman
- Person with arthritis
- Person with asthma
- Person with cancer
- Person with diabetes
- Person with heart disease
- Person with HIV/AIDS
Among people with disabilities, the following groups are at higher risk of acquiring the H1N1 infection:
- People who have difficultly breathing – (ventilator users and individuals with asthma and other respiratory conditions – this could include individuals with a range of disabilities such as intellectual and developmental disabilities, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, seizure disorders, and metabolic conditions).
- People who have difficulty fighting infections or who are immunocompromised – (individuals with HIV, cancer, and other types of immune suppression, or individuals using immunosuppressive medications).
- People of any age who have chronic health conditions (heart disease, metabolic [i.e., diabetes], renal, hepatic, hematological [i.e. sickle cell anemia], pulmonary, or neurological disorders).
- People who have pharmacological dependency.
- People younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy due to their risk of developing Reye’s Syndrome.
- Children prone to dehydration from poor nutritional and fluid intake caused by prolonged vomiting and diarrhea, or underlying metabolic conditions.
Disability groups at risk of getting flu and/or having unrecognized flu symptoms include:
- People who have limited mobility or who cannot limit coming into contact with others who are infected, like staff and family members
- People who have trouble understanding or practicing preventive measures such as hand washing
- People who may not be able to communicate symptoms of illness
- People who may not be monitored closely for symptoms of illness
More information for people with disabilities and their caregivers
Reduce Your Risk of Flu Infection
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to minimize contact with other persons who might be ill with 2009 H1N1 flu.
- Follow local public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures based on illness in specific communities.
- Maintain your health and if prescribed, continue to take antiretrovirals or antimicrobial prophylaxis against opportunistic infection.
More information on flu prevention and treatment
Vaccination
- If you are in a high priority group for the H1N1 flu vaccine, you should be vaccinated for the H1N1 flu (see flu locator) as soon as possible.
- If not in a high priority group, you should get the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available to you.
Providers of home and community-based health-related services (personal care attendants, direct support staff, paraprofessionals, itinerant therapists and others providing ADL support) who have close and consistent contact with people with disabilities and those providing healthcare support services in day and residential programs for people with disabilities should be considered in the same priority as ‘health care personnel’.
- Everyone should get vaccinated against the seasonal flu now.
More Information on Vaccination
Antiviral Drugs
- Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that can be used to treat H1N1 (Swine) flu, or to prevent infection with H1N1 flu viruses. These medications must be prescribed by a health care professional.
- If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious influenza complications. The sooner a sick person is treated with an antiviral, the greater effect it will have on the patient’s recovery.
- Influenza antiviral drugs also can be used to prevent influenza when they are given to a person who is not ill, but who has been or may be near a person with influenza. When used to prevent the flu, antiviral drugs are about 70% to 90% effective.
More information on Medications and Antivirals
Information for Care Providers
If you provide care for a person with disabilities, it is important that you take steps to prevent that person from getting the flu and provide help if he/she becomes ill. You should also take all the necessary precautions to protect yourself against H1N1 flu.
Members of the direct care workforce that provide self-directed services can take steps to help prevent the transmission of the virus among seniors and individuals with disabilities that they serve.
More information for care givers
Employment Issues
Frequent Questions on Flu for Employers Regarding People with Disabilities
http://answers.flu.gov/questions/4767
Employment Discrimination and the 2009 H1N1 Flu Virus
http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/pandemic_flu.html
Statement by the Acting Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Addressing Civil Rights in the Response to H1N1\Influenza
http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/h1n1_response.php
How to Protect Yourself in the Workplace during a Pandemic
http://www.osha.gov/Publications/protect-yourself-pandemic.html
