H1N1 (Swine) Flu
Information from the Fact Sheet on H1N1 Flu
from the
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
What is H1N1 flu?
Flu is a disease of the body’s breathing system, including the nose, throat and lungs. Flu is short for “influenza.” H1N1 flu is caused by a new virus that was first recognized in April of 2009, and was called “swine flu.” H1N1 flu has quickly spread to many parts of the world and is now a “pandemic,” or global outbreak. H1N1 flu is not the same as swine flu, which is a virus that pigs can get. It is not the same as “seasonal” flu which occurs every year, during the winter and early spring. H1N1 flu causes symptoms that are similar to seasonal flu, is spread like seasonal flu, and can be prevented like seasonal flu.
What are the symptoms of H1N1 flu?
H1N1 flu causes symptoms very similar to seasonal flu. The most common symptoms are fever, cough, and sore throat and can include body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people also have diarrhea and vomiting. Symptoms last from a few days to up to a week or more.
Is H1N1 flu serious?
Yes, H1N1 flu can be very serious. In the U.S., several thousand people were hospitalized and several hundred died between April and August, 2009. Some people are at higher risk of serious health problems when they get the H1N1 flu. This includes pregnant women, infants, and people with medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, muscle or nerve conditions that affect their breathing and weakened immune systems.
Is H1N1 flu treatable?
People sick with any type of flu should make sure to drink plenty of fluids, get plenty of rest, eat healthy foods, wash hands frequently and stay home to avoid spreading the flu to other people. The kinds of drugs used to treat seasonal flu, called antivirals, can also be used to treat the H1N1 flu. The drugs work best if started soon after the start of symptoms. Your doctor can determine if you need treatment.
Is there a vaccine for H1N1 flu?
Yes. A vaccine helps your body to protect itself against a disease. A vaccine has been developed and will be available during the fall of 2009 and winter of 2010. Getting flu vaccine will not give you the flu or any other type of illness.
Who should get H1N1 flu vaccine?
Five groups have been identified by CDC to get this vaccine when it becomes available: pregnant women; people who live with or provide care for infants under 6 months of age (e.g., parents, siblings, and daycare providers); healthcare and emergency medical services personnel; people age 6 months to 24 years; and people age 25 to 64 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications. Note: Current studies indicate the risk for infection among persons over 65 years of age is less than the risk for persons in younger age groups.
How can I protect myself and others from H1N1 flu?
- Get vaccinated when the vaccine becomes available, especially if you have a medical condition which makes health complications from the flu more likely.
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue or the inside of your elbow if you don’t have a tissue. Throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
- Avoid holding, hugging, kissing, or shaking hands with anyone who has a cold or the flu.
- Avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes. Clean things that are touched often like door handles, telephones, etc.
- If you get sick with a flu-like illness say home from work and school and avoid contact with others so the virus does not spread.
Stay home from work and school if you get sick with a flu-like illness and avoid contact with others so the virus does not spread. Stay at home until you have been free from fever for at least 24 hours after your last dose of fever-reducing medications (like Tylenol, Advil or Motrin). For most people this will mean staying at home for five days.
Get medical care right away if the sick person at home:
- has difficulty breathing or chest pain
- has purple or blue discoloration of the lips
- is vomiting and unable to keep liquids down
- has signs of dehydration such as dizziness when standing, absence of urination, or in infants, a lack of tears when they cry
- has seizures (for example, uncontrolled convulsions) is less responsive than normal or becomes confused
For more information contact the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology and Immunization at 617-983-6800 or through their website.