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H1N1 (Swine Flu)
- H1N1 flu is a contagious new influenza virus. Illness with the new H1N1 flu virus has ranged from mild to severe.
- The symptoms of H1N1 flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, and possibly vomiting or diarrhea.
- H1N1 flu is spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by infected persons. Get vaccinated to protect yourself from the H1N1 flu.
- If you are infected with H1N1 flu, you should avoid close contact with others, especially those who might easily get the flu.
What is H1N1 Flu?
- H1N1 flu is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. It has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia, plus avian genes and human genes. Scientists call this a “quadruple reassortant” virus
- H1N1 flu is contagious. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. The virus is spreading from person-to-person, in the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.
- H1N1 flu is NOT caused by eating pork or pork products. H1N1 flu is not a food borne disease, it is a respiratory disease. The USDA continues to remind consumers that all meat and poultry products are safe to eat when properly prepared and cooked.
- Illness with the new H1N1 flu virus has ranged from mild to severe. While the vast majority of people who have contracted H1N1 flu have recovered without needing medical treatment, hospitalizations and deaths have occurred.
- About 70 percent of people who have been hospitalized with H1N1 flu have had one or more medical conditions that placed them in the “high risk” category for serious seasonal flu-related complications. These include pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease, asthma and kidney disease.
- Seniors (adults 65 years and older) are prioritized for antiviral treatment to limit risk of complication if they get flu. While your age means you have a lower risk of getting the flu, certain risk conditions (COPD, diabetes, etc.) mean if you get sick, you may have higher risk of complications from any influenza.
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Symptoms of H1N1 Flu
- The symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to seasonal flu, but may include additional symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.
- Symptoms of Seasonal and H1N1 Flu:
| Seasonal Flu |
H1N1 Flu |
All types of flu can cause:
Fever
Coughing and/or sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Headaches and/or body aches
Chills
Fatigue |
Similar to seasonal flu, but symptoms may be more severe.
There may be additional symptoms. A significant number of H1N1 flu cases:
Vomiting
Diarrhea |
- Emergency Warning Signs - If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
| Emergency warning signs in children: |
Emergency warning signs in adults: |
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 |
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 |
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How to Prevent Contracting H1N1 Flu
- Get Vaccinated! Nationwide distribution of the H1N1 flu vaccine is underway to all states. Vaccine production is now at or near full capacity.
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Seasonal Nasal (LAIV) |
Seasonal Flu Shot |
| H1N1 Nasal (LAIV) |
Minimum two weeks between vaccinations |
May be given in same visit. |
| H1N1 Flu Shot |
May be given in same visit. |
May be given in same visit. |
- H1N1 flu is spread in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by infected persons. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something – such as a surface or object – with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
- People infected with the seasonal or H1N1 flu shed virus 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 or people with weakened immune systems.
- Take these everyday 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. |
| Stay home if you are sick until at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100°F or 37.8°C) or signs of a fever (without the use of a fever-reducing medicine, such as Tylenol®). |
| Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures. |
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Guidelines for Taking Care of Yourself and Others
If you have been diagnosed with H1N1 flu, you should:
Stay home, follow your doctor’s orders, and watch for signs that you need immediate medical attention.
Remain at home for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. |
| Avoid close contact with others, especially those who might easily get the flu, such as people of any age with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), pregnant women, young children, and infants. |
| Wear a facemask – if available and tolerable – when sharing common spaces with other household members to help prevent spreading the virus to others. This is especially important if other household members are at high risk for complications from influenza. |
| Get plenty of rest. |
| Drink clear fluids such as water, broth, sports drinks, or electrolyte beverages made for infants to prevent becoming dehydrated. |
| Cover coughs and sneezes. |
| Clean hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub often, especially after using tissues and after coughing or sneezing into your hands. |
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