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Frequently Asked Questions
Seasonal Flu - FAQs
Pandemic Flu - FAQs
H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) - FAQs
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 Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about H1N1 flu (swine flu). H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) - FAQs
Back There are two primary reasons for WHO to raise the pandemic level. First, it more accurately describes how widespread the H1N1 flu (swine flu) disease is; and second, the higher level allows WHO to mobilize resources globally if needed. The raised level is in no way an indication that the H1N1 virus is getting worse, nor does it affect the excellent planning that is taking place here in the U.S. and throughout the world. Back H1N1 flu (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get H1N1 flu (swine flu), but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people. Back In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses were first reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas. Other U.S. states have reported cases of H1N1 flu (swine flu) infection in humans and cases have been reported internationally as well. An updated case count of confirmed H1N1 flu (swine flu) infections in the United States is kept at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/index.htm CDC and local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation. Back CDC has determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people. Back The symptoms of H1N1 flu (swine 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 (swine flu). In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with H1N1 flu (swine flu) infection in people. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 flu (swine flu) may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions. Back Spread of this swine influenza A (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 of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Back 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. Back First and most important: 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 touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Back Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with the H1 N1 swine influenza virus. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms). Back People with H1N1 swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods. Back While initial supplies are limited, an H1N1 flu vaccine is now available and will provide the greatest level of protection from contracting the H1N1 flu virus. Be sure to get both a seasonal flu shot and, when available, an H1N1 shot to protect yourself this year. There are also everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
Back If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze. Back If you live in areas where H1N1 swine influenza cases have been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed. If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others. 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:
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
Back No. H1N1 flu (swine flu) viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get H1N1 flu (swine flu) from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe. |
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