H1N1 Flu and You...

Know the Facts:
(The following are links to helpful information pages at www.flu.gov)
Check out a full list of Frequently Asked Questions on the CDC Flu.gov Website.

  • What is H1N1 (swine) flu?
  • What should I do if I get sick?
  • What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1 flu in people?
  • Are there medicines to treat H1N1 flu?

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    Pregnancy and H1N1 Questions from the CDC

    Caring for Yourself and Others:

    How You Can Prepare
    (The following information is from www.flu.gov)

    There are a number of things that you can do to prepare yourself and those around you for a flu pandemic. It is important to think about the challenges that you might face, particularly if a pandemic is severe.

    Go through a Planning Checklist to be sure that you plan for the impact of a flu pandemic on you, your family and your business. For more information specific to individuals, families, and your workplace, and for information directed toward schools, health care providers, community organizations and governments, see Plan & Prepare.

    There are also everyday actions people can take to stay healthy, such as frequent hand washing, covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, and avoiding close contact with sick people.

    Are there medicines to treat infection with this new virus?
    Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these new influenza A (H1N1) viruses. 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. During the current outbreak, the priority use for influenza antiviral drugs during is to treat severe influenza illness.

    How long can an infected person spread this virus to others?
    At the current time, CDC believes that this virus has the same properties in terms of spread as seasonal flu viruses. With seasonal flu, studies have shown that people may be contagious from one day before they develop symptoms to up to 7 days after they get sick. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods. CDC is studying the virus and its capabilities to try to learn more and will provide more information as it becomes available.

    Other important actions that you can take are:

    • Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
    • Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so; a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand rubs, tissues and other related items might could be useful and help avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious.
    • What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?
    • If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill for 7 days or until your symptoms go away (whichever is longer). 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.

    What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?
    Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. We recommend that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.

    What should I do if I get sick?
    If you live in areas where 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:

    • Fast breathing or trouble breathing
    • Bluish or gray skin color
    • Not drinking enough fluids
    • Not waking up or not interacting
    • Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
    • Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
    • Fever with a rash

    In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

    • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
    • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
    • Sudden dizziness
    • Confusion
    • Severe or persistent vomiting

    *Note: Much of the information in this document is based on studies and past experience with seasonal (human) influenza. CDC believes the information applies to the new H1N1 (swine) viruses as well, but studies on this virus are ongoing to learn more about its characteristics. This document will be updated as new information becomes available.