H1N1 FLU (SWINE FLU)

NOVEL H1N1 INFLUENZA

WHAT IS H1N1 FLU (SWINE FLU)?

H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person in much the same way that regular seasonal viruses spread.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF THIS VIRUS IN PEOPLE?

The symptoms of H1N1 flu virus in people appear to be similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, running or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Also a significant number of people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with this virus.

HOW DOES H1N1 VIRUS SPREAD?

The virus is spread mainly from person to person through coughing and sneezing. Some people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.

WHAT CAN I DO TO PROTECT MYSELF FROM GETTING SICK?

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against H1N1 virus. The best ways to avoid getting or spreading the virus are:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time your cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• Stay home for 7 days if you are sick or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer.

TESTING VACCINE:

The process of making and testing a vaccine is already underway and a decision regarding vaccine formulation and dosing will be determined by the clinical trials that willl start late this summer of 2009. Every effort is being made to have a safe and effective H1N1 vaccine available for distribution as soon as mid-October 2009.

THE FOLLOWING GROUPS WILL RECEIVE THE VACCINE BEFORE OTHERS:

• Pregnant women
• People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
• Health care and emergency services personnel
• Persons between the ages of 6 months through 24 years of age
• People from ages 25 through 64 years old who are at higher risk for novel H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT NOVEL H1N1 FLU SEE:

• CT Flu Watch
  http://www.ct.gov/ctfluwatch/cwp/view.asp?a=2533&q=439092
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  http://www.cdc.gov/flu/
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Spanish)
  http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/espanol/
• Flu.gov http://flu.gov
• National Library of Medicine and the National Institute of Health (Medline Plus)
  http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/flu.html

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SOURCES: Connecticut Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
PREPARED BY: 211/lb
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: February2011