H1N1 Info
What is H1N1 (swine flu)?
H1N1 is a new influenza A virus causing illness in humans, much in the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses do. This virus was originally referred to as “swine flu” because many of the genes in this new virus are very similar to the genes in influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs (swine) in North America.
H1N1 Flu in Humans-Are there human infections with H1N1 virus in the U.S.? Yes. Human infections with the new H1N1 virus are ongoing in the United States. Most people who have become ill with this new virus have recovered without requiring medical treatment.
How does H1N1 virus spread? Spread of H1N1 virus is thought to occur 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 – such as a surface or object – with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. People infected with seasonal and H1N1 flu may be able to infect others, from one day before getting sick to five to seven days after. The infectious time can be longer in some people, especially children & people with weakened immune systems.
What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in people? The symptoms of H1N1 flu virus in people 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.
How severe is illness associated with H1N1 flu virus? Illness with the new H1N1 virus has ranged from mild to severe. While most people who have been sick have recovered without needing medical treatment; hospitalizations and deaths from infection with this virus have occurred.
Who is at risk? H1N1 virus is new, everyone is at some risk, However children under 5 years of age; adults 65 years and older; pregnant women and children/adults who have other previously recognized high risk medical conditions appear to be associated with increased risk of complications from this H1N1. These underlying conditions include asthma, diabetes, suppressed immune systems, heart disease, kidney disease, neurocognitive/neuromuscular disorders and other chronic medical conditions.
What can you do to protect your health?
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Get vaccinated especially if you are in the high risk group.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you are sick with a flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hrs after your fever is gone.
If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from spreading.
If you are diagnosed with H1N1 please contact your Human Resources Department.
State links:
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District of Columbia |
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Maryland |
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Pennsylvania |
http://www.dsf.health.state.pa.us/health/cwp/view.asp?q=252990 |
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Virginia |
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West Virginia |