Swine Flu

2009 H1N1 (Pandemic Flu)

2009 H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.  Because 2009 H1N1 is a new virus, most people have little or no immunity against it. 

How is 2009 H1N1 Spread

Spread of 2009 H1N1 virus is thought to occur in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. 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.

Symptoms of 2009 H1N1

The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus in people include

• Fever,
• Cough,
• Sore throat,
• Runny or stuffy nose,
• Body aches, headache,
• Chills and fatigue (feeling very tired)
• Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea.

People may be infected with the flu, including 2009 H1N1 and have respiratory symptoms without a fever. Severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.

How Severe is 2009 H1N1

Illness with the new H1N1 virus has ranged from mild to severe. While most people who have been sick have recovered without needing medical treatment, hospitalizations and deaths from infection with this virus have occurred.

About 70 percent of people who have been hospitalized with this 2009 H1N1 virus have had one or more medical conditions previously recognized as placing people at “high risk” of serious flu-related complications.  These groups will be the first to be vaccinated against 2009 H1N1.

H1N1 2009 Influenza Vaccine

The vaccine for 2009 H1N1 will be available in central Ohio in mid-October.  Persons at risk will be vaccinated first.  Persons at greatest risk include:

• Pregnant Women
• Caregivers of children less than 6 months of age
• Health care and emergency services personnel
• Children 6 months through 18 years
• Young adults 19 through 24 years
• Person aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from flu.

Prevention of Seasonal and 2009 H1N1 Flu

To help prevent the spread of Seasonal and 2009 H1N1 flu:

• Wash hands often
• Cough into tissue or sleeve
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Stay home if you are sick
• Get the annual (seasonal) flu shot and the H1N1 vaccination
• Stay Informed

Treatment of 2009 H1N1 Flu

If you have the symptoms of 2009 H1N1 stay home and call your doctor .

If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you 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. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.

If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed.
If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• 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.

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• 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.

FOR ADDITIONAL AND UPDATED INFORMATION ON SYMPTOMS, TREATMENT AND SPREAD OF 2009 H1N1 FLU, VISIT THE FOLLOWING WEBSITES:

www.columbuspandemicflu.org
www.flu.gov
www.cdc.gov/H1N1FLU/