Safety

Seasonal and Novel H1N1 Flu: Update from OCTC

What is Novel H1N1 (Swine Flu) influenza?

H1N1 flu, also known as “swine flu,” is a respiratory disease caused by a type of influenza virus. Since March 2009, there have been many cases of this new type of H1N1 flu in the United States and around the world. In June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that a pandemic of novel H1N1 was underway.

What are the symptoms of the new H1N1 flu in people?

The new H1N1 flu causes symptoms very similar to seasonal flu, most commonly fever, cough and sore throat. They can also include body aches, headaches, chills fatigue, diarrhea and vomiting.

How would I know if I have the new H1N1 flu?

If you have symptoms of influenza, contact your healthcare provider. He or she will decide what type of testing (if any) and treatment is right for you.

How is the new H1N1 flu treated?

People sick with any type of flu should make sure to drink enough fluids, get plenty of rest, eat healthy foods, wash hands frequently and stay home to avoid spreading the flu to other people. Drugs used to treat seasonal flu, called antivirals, can also be used to treat the new H1N1 flu. A few influenza viruses, including H1N1, have been resistant to some, but not all, of these drugs. Healthcare providers may recommend that people who are sick with a flu-like illness receive an antiviral medication.

What about vaccines for the Seasonal Flu and new H1N1 flu?

Individuals are encouraged to get their seasonal flu vaccine as soon as it is available because the seasonal influenza viruses are still expected to call illness this fall and winter. The new H1N1 flu vaccine is in production and is being tested. It is thought that two shots, the initial dose and a booster, will be needed to be covered.
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on immunization Practices (ACIP) has recommended that key populations include:

pregnant women,
people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age,
healthcare and emergency services personnel,
persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old,
people ages of 25 through 64 years of age who are at higher risk because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.

Who is the novel H1N1 flu infecting?

To date, the highest number of cases of 2009 H1N1 flu have been confirmed among people 5 – 24 years old.

How can I protect myself and others from the new H1N1 flu?

You can protect yourself and others from the new H1N1 flu the same way that you protect yourself from seasonal flu. Avoid holding, hugging, kissing, or shaking hands with anyone who has a cold or the flu. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes. Clean things that are touched often like door handles, telephones, faucets, etc. If you get sick with a flu-like illness stay home from work and school and avoid contact with others so the virus does not spread.

People who have flu-like illness should do the following while recovering at home:

Check with your health care provider(s) about any special care you might need if you are pregnant, immunosuppressed, or have a health condition such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma or emphysema and whether or not you should take antiviral medications.
Stay home for at least 7 days after onset of illness; or until free of symptoms (including fever) for 24 hours, whichever is longer.
Avoid close contact with others as much as possible, even at home.
Identify a single household member as the ill person’s caregiver to minimize interactions with others and get plenty of rest and drink clear fluids to keep from getting dehydrated.
Cover coughs and sneezes and never cough or sneeze in the direction of someone else.
Clean hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer often and especially after using tissues and after coughing or sneezing into hands.

Get medical care right away if the sick person at home:

Has difficulty breathing or chest pain or purple/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, is less responsive than normal or becomes confused.

If someone in my house is sick, but I’m not, do I need to stay home?

You do not need to stay home or out of school if you are not sick. However, it is recommended that you limit unnecessary contact with other people as much as possible. If you start feeling sick, especially with fever, cough, sore throat and feeling tired, you should stay at home and minimize contact with others as much as possible.
This document is attributed to information of fact sheets from the Green River District Health Department and Center for Disease Control. For more information about seasonal flu and H1N1 flu, please visit the websites listed below: www.healthdepartment.org or www.cdc.gov/swineflu or www.flu.gov.