2009 H1N1 Influenza Virus
8 Ways to Stay Healthy at Work
What is the flu?
The flu is a transmittable viral illness that occurs commonly in the winter months. It is spread from person-to-person from the large droplets sprayed from the mouth and nose when a person coughs or sneezes. It can also be spread by touching something with the flu virus on it and then touching your mouth or nose. The flu can be very serious for certain groups of people, including: the very young, older adults, pregnant women, and people with underlying health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, weakened immune systems, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, certain mental disorders, and blood disorders).
What is 2009 H1N1 flu?
H1N1 is a new type of influenza virus that contains part swine, avian, and human influenza virus. It was first identified in March of 2009 in Mexico, and quickly spread to the rest of the world. In June 2009, the World Health Organization raised the pandemic alert to the highest level, phase 6. This indicates that H1N1 has spread to at least 2 continents, but does not say anything about the severity of the disease. Unlike the seasonal flu, H1N1 can cause severe illness in people of all ages. Special testing is needed to distinguish H1N1 from seasonal influenza.
How can I prevent the spread of the flu?
- Obtain a seasonal flu vaccine and the new H1N1 vaccine when available.
- Wash your hands often and for 15 to 20 seconds at a time. Use soap and water or alcohol based hand sanitizers.
- Avoid close contact with anyone you know is sick. If face-to-face contact with an infected individual is necessary, they should wear a face mask (N95 respirators are a good option).
- Try to avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth frequently.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw the tissue in the trash afterwards. Also, cough or sneeze into your sleeve if a tissue is not available. Make sure to wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.
- If you are sick with flu-like symptoms, stay home!
- Follow public health advice about closures and travel.
Flu-Like Signs and Symptoms
- Fever (>100°F)
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Headache
- Body aches
- Chills
- Extreme tiredness
- Vomiting and diarrhea (more common with H1N1 than seasonal influenza)
What should I do if I get sick?
Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever resolves (without taking anti-fever medications). A fever is defined as a temperature above 100°F. If possible, stay in a room separate from all common areas of the house, keep the door closed, and use a separate bathroom.
When should I seek help?
It is not always necessary to seek medical attention if you are sick with the flu. If your illness is severe or you are at high risk for complications (children younger than 5, pregnant women, and people with chronic medical conditions including diabetes, heart disease, asthma, and kidney disease), contact your health care provider immediately. If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention: shortness of breath, pain in your chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion, severe vomiting, or flu-like symptoms that improve but return with fever and/or worsened cough.
What can I do to treat the symptoms of the flu?
- Rest until symptoms have resolved
- Drink plenty of fluids so that you do not become dehydrated
- Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin can be used to relieve fever, headache, and muscle pains
How long am I contagious?
You can spread the virus from 1 day before symptoms and up to 7 days after you become sick. Children and people with weakened immune systems may spread the virus for longer.
Are there any medications available for H1N1?
Yes, there are 2 prescription only medications that can treat influenza H1N1, Tamiflu and Relenza. These are antivirals that work by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body, and are used to treat or prevent severe influenza. These medications will not eliminate flu symptoms, but work to make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They work best when started within the first 2 days of becoming sick. Not everyone with the flu needs these medications, and a doctor will decide if they are necessary. Antibiotics are not useful for treating a viral illness like the flu.
Will my seasonal flu shot protect me from H1N1?
Most likely it will not. A vaccine to protect against the H1N1 influenza virus is currently being developed and may be released sometime in October or early November.
Who will be able to get the new vaccine?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recommended the following groups of people be a top priority to receive the H1N1 vaccine when it first becomes available:
- Pregnant women
- People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months
- Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
- People from 6 months through 24 years of age
- People from 25 through 64 years of age with the following health conditions: asthma, diabetes, weakened immune systems, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, certain mental disorders, and blood disorders
Will the new vaccine be safe?
Some people are worried about the safety of the new vaccine since it was produced in a short amount of time, but it is important to know that the new vaccine is being manufactured in the same way as the seasonal flu vaccine. People with an egg allergy should avoid the use of both vaccines. The injectable form of the vaccine is inactivated and cannot cause you to get the flu.
Where can I look for more information?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ? 1-800-CDC-INFO or http://cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
The World Health Organization ? http://www.who.int/en/
Indiana State Department of Health ? http://www.in.gov/isdh/