H1N1 Flu: What to Know
The new 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, called swine flu during the initial outbreak, has been in the news a lot recently. What do you need to know, and what should you do? Here are some key facts to help keep you and your family healthy.
Q: What is H1N1 flu?
2009 H1N1 is a new virus that causes illness in people. It's thought to spread between humans in the same way that seasonal flu spreads -- from person to person through coughing or sneezing. You also may become infected by touching an object or surface with flu viruses on it, then touching your mouth or nose.People who have 2009 H1N1 are considered contagious starting one day before they show symptoms and for up to seven or more days after the illness starts.
Q: What symptoms should I look for?
2009 H1N1 symptoms are similar to regular (seasonal) flu symptoms and may include:- Fever
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Chills
- Cough
- Body aches
- Fatigue
Some people also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.
Q: How can I protect myself and my family?
Help keep your family safe by taking the following precautions:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when you don't have soap and water to wash your hands.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then put the tissue into the trash.
- Get lots of rest, eat nutritious foods, drink plenty of fluids and stay physically active.
- Keep surfaces clean by wiping them down with a disinfectant.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Q: How dangerous is this flu?
Like seasonal flu, 2009 H1N1 can range from mild to severe, and can be deadly in some cases. It also may make some chronic medical conditions worse. Researchers believe that some people at high risk for seasonal flu complications also are at higher risk for complications from 2009 H1N1. These groups include:- Young children
- Pregnant women
- People with weakened immune systems
- People with certain pre-existing health conditions
- People younger than age 19 who receive long-term aspirin therapy
- Residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities
However, unlike seasonal flu, 2009 H1N1 infections have occurred mainly in younger people. Research suggests that many older adults may have some degree of resistance to the virus.
Q: What should I do if I get sick?
Per recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, stay home and minimize contact with other people if you exhibit typical flu-like symptoms and live in an area where people have been identified as having 2009 H1N1.
Avoid work, school, travel, shopping or social events to keep from making other people sick. Stay at home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, unless you are seeking medical care or other necessities. Your fever should have disappeared without the use of any fever-reducing medications.
If your illness is severe or if you are at high risk for complications from the flu, contact a physician or seek other medical care. Your healthcare provider will help you determine whether you need flu testing or treatment.
Adults who exhibit any of the following warning signs should seek emergency medical care immediately:
- Difficulty breathing
- Pressure or pain in the stomach or chest
- Persistent or severe vomiting
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Flu symptoms that improve and later return with fever and worse cough
If your child displays one or more of the following symptoms, seek emergency medical care right away:
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish or gray skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Not waking up or interacting
- Being irritable and not wanting to be held
- Persistent or severe vomiting
- Flu symptoms that improve, but later return with fever and worse cough
For information on 2009 H1N1 flu vaccinations approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, please visit www.flu.gov and contact your doctor.
