What you need to know about H1N1 and the flu

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is 2009 H1N1 Influenza?
Influenza H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a respiratory infection caused by an influenza type A virus that usually spreads from person to person through coughing or sneezing.

What is the flu?
Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Each year in the United States on average, 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu; on average, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related complications, and; about 36,000 people die from flu-related causes. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications. This flu season could be worse. There is a new and very different flu virus spreading worldwide among people called 2009 H1N1 flu. This virus may cause more illness or more severe illness than usual.
http://cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/index.htm

What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of H1N1 in people are similar to those of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.  Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting.
http://www.flu.gov/evaluation/

Is 2009 H1N1 virus contagious?
CDC has determined that 2009 H1N1 virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human.

How does 2009 H1N1 virus spread?
Spread of 2009 H1N1 virus occurs 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.
http://cdc.gov/flu/about/viruses/

What can people do to keep from getting the flu?

• Wash your hands often with soap and water.  Alcohol-based cleaners are also effective.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Keep sick children at home.
• If you have flu like symptoms, stay home for at least 24 hours after you are free of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.  Germs are spread this way.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If a tissue is unavailable, cough or sneeze into your shoulder or elbow instead of your hands.
• Get the seasonal flu vaccine and/or the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine, if recommended.

http://cdc.gov/flu/protect/preventing.htm

What should people do if they get sick?

• Limit your contact with other people as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze then throw the tissue in the trash after you use it and wash your hands.
• Do not go to work or school.
• Contact your health care provider.

What should people do if they are caring for someone infected with H1N1?
Those who are well but who have an ill family member at home with 2009 H1N1 flu can go to work as usual. These persons should monitor their health every day, and take everyday precautions including washing their hands often with soap and water, especially after they cough or sneeze.

http://cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm

Are there medicines to treat swine flu?
Yes, there are prescription medicines available.  Your health care provider can help determine if they are needed.

Can I get swine flu from eating or preparing pork?
No.  Swine flu viruses are not spread by food.  Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.

Vaccinations

H1N1 Vaccine:

FAQ about the Novel H1N1 Influenza Vaccine (pdf)

The H1N1 Vaccine is targeted for:

• Pregnant women
• Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months old
• Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
• All people from 6 months through 24 years of age
• People aged 25 through 64 years with chronic health conditions (including asthma, heart disease, diabetes, HIV, and other disorders)

When is it expected that the 2009 H1N1 vaccine will be available?
The 2009 H1N1 vaccine is expected to be available in mid October. More specific dates cannot be provided at this time as vaccine availability depends on several factors including shipping and distribution.

Where can a person receive the H1N1 vaccine?
The H1N1 vaccine will be available at Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center. Please contact the center for more details.

Can the seasonal vaccine and the 2009 H1N1 vaccine be given at the same time?
Inactivated 2009 H1N1 vaccine can be administered at the same visit as any other vaccine, including pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. Live 2009 H1N1 vaccine can be administered at the same visit as any other live or inactivated vaccine EXCEPT seasonal live attenuated influenza vaccine.
http://cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/general.htm

Download the latest Vaccination Information Statements from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) concerning the 2009 H1N1 vaccinations:
2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Inactivated (the "flu shot") (English)
Vacuna Contra La Influenza de 2009 H1N1 Descactivada (“inyección contra la infl uenza”) (Espanol)
2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Live Attenuated (the nasal spray vaccine) (English)
Vacuna Contra La Influenza de 2009 H1N1 Viva Atenuada (rocío intranasal) (Espanol)

Seasonal Flu Vaccine:

Who should get the seasonal flu vaccine?
The seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for anyone who wants to reduce their risk of becoming ill with flu. It is particularly important for persons at increased risk of severe illness or for spreading the infection to persons who are at high risk. These people include:

• People aged 6 months through 18 years or age 50 years or older
• People with underlying medical conditions, such as chronic heart or lung diseases or diabetes
• Pregnant women
• Healthcare providers
• People who live with or care for infants younger than 6 months of age
• Residents of long-term care facilities

If you are unsure about whether you should receive the seasonal flu vaccine, contact your healthcare provider.

http://cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/index.htm

Where can a person go for the flu vaccine?
The Seasonal Flu vaccine will be available at Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center. Please contact the center for more details.

Helpful Links

www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu
www.flu.gov
www.hhs.gov
www.ct.gov/dph
www.ct.gov/ctfluwatch/site