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H1N1 Flu Facts and Resources

What is H1N1 Flu?

Novel H1N1 (originally referred to as Swine Flu) is a respiratory strain of viruses causing illnesses in people. It was first detected in people in the United States in April of 2009. The virus is spreading worldwide, person-to-person, probably in the same way regular influenza spreads. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the H1N1 spread to be a worldwide pandemic.

The novel H1N1 virus was originally referred to as swine flu because many of the early laboratory tests showed genetic markers present in influenza virus found in pigs, however, further testing has shown that it has genes similar to pigs, birds and humans.

This infection is being monitored and all health policies are being propagated from The Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The CDC is the agency that monitors, directs and leads health investigations in the United States. They also develop and advocate health policies and implement prevention strategies. The CDC routinely works with states to collect, compile and analyze information about influenza. They have a weekly report on H1N1 called FluView.

Symptoms of H1N1 Flu

The symptoms of H1N1, according to the CDC, are similar to the symptoms of the common flu. The symptoms include fever, sore throat, cough, body aches, chills, and fatigue. Some sufferers have exhibited vomiting and diarrhea. Severe illnesses including pneumonia and respiratory failure leading to death have been reported. The higher risk groups are not known at this time but it is suspected to be similar to the high risk groups for seasonal influenza which would include people over the age of 65, children younger than 5, pregnant women, people of any age group with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes) or people who are immunosuppressed.

If you do get sick, you may be ill for a week or longer. You should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading the infection to others. Avoid travel and going to work or school for at least 24 hours until after your fever is gone--without the use of fever-reducing medications. If you have to leave the house to seek medical attention wear a facemask, if available and tolerable.

Children who experience any of the following symptoms should be taken to emergency medical care:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable the child doesn’t want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

In adults, emergency warning signs include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Spread of H1N1 Flu

Based on current findings of the CDC, H1N1 Flu appears to be spreading in the same way any other seasonal flu spreads. Flu spreads person-to-person by coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Flu can also spread by touching infected surfaces and then touching your nose, eyes or mouth. Surfaces can stay infected for 2 hours or longer. Infected people can be infectious for 1 day before symptoms appear and 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means people can spread the flu virus before they are even exhibiting any symptoms of the flu and before they even know they are sick.

Prevention of H1N1 Flu

H1N1 Flu, like any other flu exposure, is minimized with good hygiene techniques and by general wellness care. The following precautions are recommended by the CDC:

• You should be washing your hands often. Alcohol-based sanitizers are also effective at killing viruses.
• Get plenty of sleep, avoid stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious foods.
• Avoid touching surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus; common surfaces that could hold viruses would be desktops, doorknobs, or tables. Disposable gloves can be an option for people who want extra protection.
• Avoid contact with people who might be sick.
• Cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw your tissue into a wastebasket.
• Avoid touching your eyes, mouth or nose.
• If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

The CDC has also released a document intended to provide guidance for people who are unable to avoid people who would be considered contagious with the H1N1 flu. These CDC guidelines, titled “Interim Recommendations for Facemask and Respirator Use to Reduce Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Transmission,” suggest use with either a surgical mask or a N95 respirator to protect from airborne virus contamination.

What if I get H1N1 Flu?

Most of the people who have come down with symptoms of H1N1 flu in the United States have had very mild symptoms. There are, however, antiviral drugs which the CDC has provided more information on, which are effective against this current strain of flu. Both oseltamivir and zanamivir are prescription anti-viral drugs which are effective against H1N1 flu. They can make viral illnesses milder and help sufferers get better faster. As the H1N1 virus spreads, these drugs may be in short supply so the drugs may be given first to those who are at high risk of flu complications or those who have been hospitalized.

Vaccination

Vaccinations for the H1N1 virus strain are expected to be available in the fall of 2009. While shortages are not expected, the initial availability and demand needs can be unpredictable. The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has determined which groups will receive the vaccine when it first becomes available. Key groups include pregnant women, people who live with or care for children 6 months old or younger, healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old, and people ages of 25 through 64 years of age who are at higher risk for novel H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.

Commonly Asked Questions

Sources for More Information

Centers For Disease Control and Prevention H1N1 Home Page

Centers For Disease Control and Prevention H1N1 Resources for Child Care Programs, Schools, Colleges, and Universities

Centers For Disease Control and Prevention H1N1 Resources for Businesses and Employers

Centers For Disease Control and Prevention H1N1 Resources for Clinicians

Government Page on Pandemic Flu Information with Links to Current H1N1 Flu Information

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Please Note: The information contained in this publication is intended for general information purposes only. This publication is not a substitute for review of the applicable government regulations and standards, and should not be construed as legal advice or opinion. Readers with specific questions should refer to the cited regulation or consult with an attorney.