H1N1 Influenza Resource Page
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What is H1N1 Influenza?
H1N1 novel influenza A (swine flu) virus is a unique, strain of influenza virus that we have not seen before.
It is
currently circulating in the U.S. and other parts of the world.
Why is there so much concern about novel H1N1 flu?
Because this is a new virus, no one has immunity. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 can cause severe illness and
even death but different groups of people may be at highest risk of getting ill.
What are the symptoms of novel flu?
- As with seasonal flu people can have a fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.
- Some people also have diarrhea and vomit.
Who is at most risk for being infected with novel H1N1 flu?
Who is at highest risk for having complications from the novel H1N1 flu?
- Children younger than 4 years of age
- Pregnant women
- People of any age with chronic medical conditions (such as heart, lung, kidney disease) or who are
immunosuppressed (e.g., taking immunosuppressive medications, infected with HIV)
* Read the rest of this fact sheet on H1N1 influenza
The world is better prepared for an influenza pandemic than any time in history.
~ (WHO Director General Margaret Chan
The good news is:
- It’s treatable
- We do have enough medicine to treat people and a new vaccine is currently being developed.
- You can protect yourself by taking the following measures:
- When you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve (if you do not have a tissue). Throw used tissues in a trash can.
- After you cough or sneeze, wash your hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand gel.
- If you are ill with a respiratory illness (coughing and sneezing), stay home from work or school so you don’t make others sick.
- Avoid close contact with others who are coughing or appear to be ill.
- Symptoms of swine influenza include fever (greater than 100 F), along with cough, sore throat, headache and body aches, and extreme tiredness. Some people have also reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your health care provider.
Helpful resources:
H1N1 Vaccine Information Sheet: injectable (shot)
H1N1 Vaccine Information Sheet: nasal spray
Guidlines for Small Businesses
Guidlines for Child Care and Early Childhood Programs
Guidlines for Institutions of Higher Education
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