H1N1
UPDATES from the Livingston Health Department - Third
Update
H1N1
Flu (Swine Influenza) General Information
What
is H1N1 Flu?
H1N1 is a new type of influenza virus that was first detected
in the United States in April 2009. It was originally called
“swine flu” because tests showed some of the genes
in the virus were similar to flu viruses that can occur in
pigs.
How
does H1N1 Flu spread?
H1N1 Flu can be spread from person to person, especially through
the coughing and sneezing of people infected. In addition,
people may become infected by touching things that have the
viruses on it and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.
What
are the Symptoms of H1N1 Flu?
The symptoms of H1N1 Flu in people are similar to the symptoms
of seasonal influenza and include fever, cough, sore throat,
body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have
also reported diarrhea and vomiting. It is possible that very
severe cases of H1N1 can lead to pneumonia and death, especially
in people who are in poor health.
Are
there medicines to treat H1N1 Flu?
Yes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends
the use of antiviral drugs such as Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or
Zanamivir (Relenza) for the treatment of H1N1 Flu. Antiviral
drugs are prescription medicines that are used to make your
illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also
prevent serious influenza complications.
When
can someone with H1N1 Flu infect someone else?
Infected people may be contagious and able to infect others
beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more
days after becoming sick. This means you are able to pass
the virus to someone else before knowing you are sick, as
well as while you are sick. Children, especially younger children,
may be contagious for a longer amount of time.
How
can I protect myself from getting H1N1 Flu?
Until a vaccine becomes available to protect against H1N1
Flu, everyday actions can help prevent the spread of germs
that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza.
•
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Alcohol-based
hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
What should I do if I get sick?
If you become ill with influenza-like symptoms, contact your
health care provider. Your health care provider will determine
whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.
If you are ill and experience any of the following warning
signs, seek emergency medical care.
In children, emergency warning signs include:
•
Fast breathing or trouble breathing.
• Bluish skin color.
• Not drinking enough fluids.
• Not waking up or not interacting.
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to
be held.
• Influenza-like symptoms improve but then return with
fever and worse cough.
• Fever with rash.
In adults, emergency warning signs include:
•
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen.
• Sudden dizziness.
• Confusion.
• Severe or persistent vomiting.
Can I get H1N1 Flu from eating or preparing pork?
No. H1N1 Flu is not spread by food. You cannot get H1N1 Flu
from eating pork or pork products.
Where
can I obtain the latest information on H1N1?
Please visit these 2 resources for reputable and current information:
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
and http://www.flu.gov/.
These websites will have the most up to date information.
Adapted
from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) materials,
November 2009
