H1N1 Flu Virus
What it is | Signs and symptoms | How does it spread | If you get sick
What is H1N1?
H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new influenza virus
causing illness in people. It was first detected in humans in the
United States in April 2009. Other countries, including Mexico and
Canada, have reported people sick with the new virus. The virus is
spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that
regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.
What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1?
The symptoms of H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of
seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy
nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant
number of people who have been infected with this virus also have
reported diarrhea and vomiting. Also, like seasonal flu, severe
illnesses and death have occurred as a result of illness associated with
the virus.
How does the H1N1 virus spread?
Spread of H1N1 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 by people with influenza.
Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu
viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
What should I do if I get sick?
If you live in areas where people have been identified with novel H1N1
flu and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body
aches, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or
diarrhea, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people. CDC
recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is
gone except to get medical care. (Your fever should be gone without the
use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Stay away from others as much as
possible to keep from making others sick. Staying at home means that you
should not leave your home except to seek medical care. This means
avoiding normal activities, including work, school, travel, shopping,
social events, and public gatherings.
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
Be proactive! Consider putting together a wellness kit that can help
you and your family stay healthy and treat you if you become ill.
Non-aspirin pain reliever and fever reducer
Vitamins
Tissues
Alcohol-based hand cleaner
Surface cleaning products
Thermometer
Chicken Soup
Electrolyte balanced fluids, such as sports drinks
Cough and cold medicine
Decongestant medicine
Nausea and diarrhea medicine
Allergy medicine
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