2009 H1N1 Flu and You

What is it? H1N1 (Swine Flu) is a new influenza virus that is spreading worldwide among people. The last time a variant of this influenza virus infected a significant number of people was in 1976. How does it spread? The virus is spread mostly from person to person through the coughs and sneezes of those sick with the virus. People also may get sick by touching something with flu viruses on it, and then touching their mouth or nose. How long can a sick person spread the H1N1 flu to others? Those infected may be able to infect others from 1 day before actually getting sick to about 7 days after getting sick. However it could be longer in some people. How severe is the illness? It can range from mild to severe. Most healthy people who have been sick with the H1N1 virus have recovered without needing medical treatment; however hospitalization and death have occurred. Most people that have to be hospitalized have had medical conditions that place them at higher risks of complications. Severe infections can affect people of all ages. Few people over the age of 65 have been infected with this new virus, but those that do are at higher risk of developing flu-related complications. Who is at greatest risk of infection with H1N1? Younger people are more at risk. Most cases have occurred in people younger than 25 years of age. At this time there are relatively few cases of 2009 H1N1 in people 65 years or older. How can I protect myself from getting sick from 2009 H1N1 flu? Frequent hand washing with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Vaccination: A vaccine against 2009 H1N1 is being produced. The CDC recommends those at greater risk should be the first vaccinated when the vaccine becomes available. This includes: Pregnant women, People who live with or provide care for children younger than 6 months. Health care and emergency medical personnel, People 6 months to 24 years of age. People 24-65 who are at higher risk due to an underlying health condition or compromised immune system. What should I do if I get sick? Most people will be able to recover at home from H1N1 without needing medical care. Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone and avoid contact with other people except to seek medical care. Keep away from others as much as possible. Drink clear fluids to keep from being dehydrated. Throw away tissues used by infected persons and wash hands after handling used tissues. Dishes can be done in dishwasher or with hot soapy water. Have everyone in household wash hands often with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. (Germs spread this way.) Most Common Symptoms of 2009 H1N1: Sudden onset of symptoms Fevers, high and lasting 3-4 days Headache General aches and pain - often Severe Fatigue and weakness: lasting up to 2-3 weeks Extreme exhaustion: at beginning of illness Chest discomfort, cough Emergency Warning Signs in Adults: Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen Sudden dizziness Confusion Vomiting Are there medicines to treat Infections with this new virus? There are antivirals that can treat influenza illness, including 2009 H1N1. They are available both by prescription and over the counter herbal medication. It is important that these medications be prescribed in the first 48 hours of symptoms in order to make the illness milder and may also prevent serious complications. The medication may shorten the symptoms by 24 to 48 hours. The cost of the prescription medication for a 5 day course is about $100.00. How long should I stay home if I'm sick? One should stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to seek medical care. Stay away from others to keep from making others sick. Avoid normal activity, including work, school, travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings. If you must leave home, wear a facemask if available. If not, cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and wash your hands often to keep from spreading flu to others. More information is available by visiting the Center for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu