H1N1 Swine Flu Information

What is H1N1 (swine flu)?

H1N1 Influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen and recently human to human transmission has occurred.

What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1 flu in people?

The symptoms of H1N1 flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with H1N1 flu.

What should I do if I believe I have the swine flu?

The Centers for Disease Control is reporting “widespread” H1N1 flu activity in Virginia. To limit the spread of the flu within the hospital and the community, please do not bring children to visit patients in the hospital. This is important for their protection, as children are particularly susceptible to the H1N1 virus. In addition, please limit adult visitors to two at a time when possible. This helps protect the community from further spread.
 

If you experience flu symptoms:
 

• Stay home
• Contact your family physician if you have one
• Do not go to a hospital emergency department unless you have difficulty breathing or are dehydrated
• Be aware that Tamiflu should be reserved for patients with severe symptoms. Most people with mild flu symptoms do not need Tamiflu. People who have been exposed, but do not have symptoms do not need Tamiflu.

How does H1N1 flu spread?

Spread of this H1N1 influenza A virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

How can someone with the flu infect someone else?

Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
 

What should I do to keep from getting the flu?

First and most importantly: Wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food. Try not to touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
 

Are there medicines to treat swine flu?

Yes.  An H1N1 flu vaccine will be released in October.  For more information, see the CDC H1N1 Influenza Vaccination page.
 

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

• Wash your hands often with soap and water.  Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or cough or sneeze into your elbow.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick with influenza, the CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Source: Centers for Disease Control.