About the 2009 H1N1 Flu Virus

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H1N1 Virus Basics

The 2009 H1N1 (originally referred to as “swine flu”) is a new influenza virus that is spreading from person-to-person worldwide. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009, and in June 2009 the World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a pandemic of 2009 H1N1 virus was underway.

Like seasonal influenza (type A), the H1N1 virus is contagious and spreads through droplets that are expelled when people with influenza speak, sneeze or cough. The virus can live for two hours or longer on things an infected person touches, such as door handles, desks, telephones and restaurant tables. People may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes.

H1N1 virus has symptoms that are similar to seasonal influenza. These generally include cough, sore throat, fever, chills, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, fatigue, sometimes nausea and diarrhea. Some have experienced severe illness and there have been some deaths as a result of illness associated with this virus. Most people who have become ill with the H1N1 virus have recovered without requiring medical treatment.

Steps to protect your health:

While there is no vaccine available right now to protect against the 2009 H1N1 virus, one is currently in production and may be ready for the public in the fall of 2009. H1N1 is a variant of seasonal influenza, so those who have had a seasonal flu shot should not assume they are immune to the H1N1 virus. That’s why everyone is encouraged to take preventive steps to decrease exposure to contagions and prevent spreading the virus to others:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water or cleanse them with an alcohol-based hand rub – especially after you cough, sneeze or touch surfaces that are potentially contaminated.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Avoid close contact with people who appear unwell and have fever and cough.
If you get sick with the flu, stay home from work or school. Limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Other important actions that you can take:

Practice good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active.
Improve airflow in your living space by opening windows.
Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so; keep on hand a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand rubs, tissues and other related items might be useful so trips out in public while you are sick and contagious are unnecessary.

If you feel unwell, have high fever, cough or sore throat:

In most cases, taking these steps is adequate for recovery:

Stay at home and keep away from work, school or crowds. You increase the chance of spreading the virus to others if you continue your daily routines of work, school, family, shopping, and social activities.
Rest and take plenty of fluids.
Use a pain reliever for aches. (A non-aspirin pain reliever should be used by children and young adults because of the risk of Reye's syndrome.)
Cover your mouth and nose with disposable tissues when coughing and sneezing, and dispose of the used tissues properly.
If you do not have a tissue close by when you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth as much as possible with the crook of your elbow.
Wash your hands with soap and water often and thoroughly, especially after coughing or sneezing. Or cleanse them with an alcohol-based hand rub.
Inform family and friends about your illness and try to avoid contact with other people.
If possible, contact a health professional before traveling to a health facility to discuss whether a medical examination is necessary.

The CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)

If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care to determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed.

When to seek medical attention:

From first signs of symptoms to severe illness onset, your health care provider can determine the plan of treatment. A trip to a hospital emergency center should be considered a last resort, so that emergency centers can focus staff and resources on the seriously ill. If you are concerned about the immediate safety of yourself or a loved one, particularly a small child or very elderly, call your local emergency medical services (911) first.

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
Fever continuing more than three days
Severe or persistent vomiting
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

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
Convulsions (seizures)
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Contact your doctor or health care provider before traveling to a health facility. Report your symptoms and communicate your suspicion of infection as soon as you arrive at the facility. Cover your nose and mouth during travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can an infected person spread this virus to others?

People infected with both seasonal and H1N1 shed virus and may infect others from 1 day before getting sick to 5 to 7 days after. This period may be longer in some people, especially children and people with weakened immune systems and in those infected with the new H1N1 virus.

Are there any medications to treat H1N1 virus?

Early diagnosis provides the most and best options for effective treatment. Anti-viral medicines like Tamiflu and Relenza work best if taken within two days of developing symptoms. They prevent the virus from reproducing inside the body and can also lessen the severity of the symptoms. If flu symptoms are accompanied by a respiratory or sinus infection, an antibiotic will also be prescribed.

You should only take an antiviral if your health care provider advises you to do so. Individuals should not buy medicines to prevent or fight this new influenza without a prescription, and they should exercise caution in buying antivirals over the Internet.

While current influenza medications can ease the symptoms and severity of an individual episode, measures at the community, state, country and worldwide levels are being required to contain the spread of the virus. Availability of enough medication and health care resources to treat the number of cases in various regions is another driving factor in the way public health and government officials are responding.

Should I go to work if I have the flu but am feeling OK?

No. Whether you have the H1N1 virus or seasonal influenza, you should stay home and away from work through the duration of your symptoms. This is a precaution that can protect your work colleagues and others.

Who is at a higher risk for complications from the H1N1 virus?

People at higher risk for complications from influenza include pregnant women, children under 5 years of age, adults and children who have chronic lung disease (such as asthma), heart disease, diabetes, diseases that suppress the immune system and other chronic medical conditions, and those who are 65 years or older. People with already compromised immune systems are at increased risk of dying as a result of contracting the flu and should take extra precautions.

What is the best technique for washing hands to avoid getting the flu?

Washing hands often will help protect you - and others - from germs. Wash with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. The CDC recommends that when you wash your hands with soap and warm water that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. Water is not needed for the gel to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.

How do I care for a sick person at home?

Separate the ill person from others, at a distance from others.
Cover your mouth and nose when caring for the ill person. Either commercial or homemade materials are fine, as long as they are disposed of or cleaned properly after use.
Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly after each contact with the ill person.
Improve the air flow where the ill person stays. Use doors and windows to take advantage of breezes.
Keep the environment clean with readily available household cleaning agents.

What about using a mask?

If you are sick and must travel or be around others, cover your mouth and nose. You can use a mask to help you contain the spread of droplets when you are around others, but be sure to do so correctly – incorrect use actually increases the chance of spreading infection. If you are caring for a sick person, you can wear a mask when you are in close contact with the ill person. Be sure to dispose of it immediately after contact and cleanse your hands thoroughly afterwards.

Can I travel?

If you are feeling unwell or have symptoms of influenza, you should not travel. If you have any doubts about your health, you should check with your health care provider for advice.

What about breastfeeding? Should I stop if I am ill?

No, not unless your health care provider advises it. Studies on other influenza infections show that breastfeeding is most likely protective for babies - it passes on helpful maternal immunities and lowers the risk of respiratory disease. Breastfeeding provides the best overall nutrition for babies and increases their defense factors to fight illness.

Why is the H1N1 virus called “Swine Flu”?

When this virus was first detected, laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs (swine) in North America, thus the reason it has been called “swine flu.” Since then, further studies have been conducted, and this new virus is very different from the one that occurs in North American pigs. Two of the genes in this virus normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia and bird (avian) genes and human, which is called "quadruple reassortant" virus. You cannot contract H1N1 flu from eating or coming in contact with properly cooked pork-derived products.

How Does H1N1 Flu Differ from Seasonal Flu?

Influenza of any kind has the potential to be deadly, and is monitored closely by public health organizations worldwide. The H1N1 flu outbreak is of particular concern because this strain appears to be highly contagious and is spreading rapidly. Also, anytime a new strain of the flu develops, it can spread fastbecause people don't have a natural immunity, current vaccinations aren't effective and new vaccines can take months to develop.

Resource Links

Center for Disease Control

World Health Organization

Sources: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html; http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu