Get the Facts About H1N1
The 2009 H1N1 flu, a new influenza virus, was first detected in the U.S. in April, 2009. This virus is much like regular seasonal influenza in the way it spreads and the symptoms it causes. Most people who are diagnosed with the new H1N1 virus have recovered without needing medical treatment; however, like seasonal flu, more serious complications have occurred, at times leading to hospitalizations and deaths from infection.
How is H1N1 Contracted?
H1N1 is a contagious virus that spreads from person to person through coughing or sneezing. People may also become infected by touching something - such as a surface or object - with flu germs on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Because of this, common sense precautions, such as washing your hands, covering a sneeze and avoiding touching your face, can be very effective in limiting exposure.
Unlike seasonal flu, which tends to infect people over 64 in greater numbers, H1N1 appears to affect a higher proportion of people under age 25. Parents can help protect their children by teaching good health habits, keeping them home from school when they're sick and following public and community health guidelines.
Are H1N1 and "Swine Flu" the Same Disease?
H1N1 was originally referred to as "swine flu" because early tests indicated that genes in this new virus were similar to those in flu viruses associated with North American swine (pigs). Since then, further testing has called these similarities into question, leading to renaming the virus H1N1.
Is There A Vaccine?
The Centers for Disease Control provides updates on the status of the H1N1 vaccine.
Prevention
Common-sense steps to protect your health:
- 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 avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you are sick with flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
- Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick. If you have a family member at home with H1N1 flu, you can go to work every day, but monitor your health closely for signs of illness.
Symptoms
The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus include:
|
Fever
Cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
|
Body aches
Headache
Chills
Fatigue
|
A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.
High Risk Category
Individuals at high risk of serious complications include people 65 years and older, children younger than five years old, pregnant women and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions. About 70 percent of people who have been hospitalized with the 2009 H1N1 virus have had one or more medical conditions previously recognized as placing people at "high risk" of serious seasonal flu-related complications. This includes pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease, asthma and kidney disease.
Treatment
Over-the-counter treatments for flu and fever can provide short-term relief of symptoms. If prescription drugs are indicated for prevention or treatment, the Centers for Disease Control recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaled powder) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications.
During the current outbreak, the priority use for influenza antiviral drugs is to treat severe influenza illness (for example, hospitalized patients) and people who are sick who have a condition that places them at high risk for serious flu-related complications.
People infected either seasonal or 2009 H1N1 flu may be able to infect others from 1 day before getting sick to 5 to 7 days after. This can be longer in some people, especially children and people with weakened immune systems and in people infected with the new H1N1 virus.
When to Seek Help
If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
Warning Signs in Children
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish or gray skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Warning Signs in Adults
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Hand Washing
Flu Quiz
Source: CDC
