What is H1N1?
The H1N1 virus is a relatively new influenza virus infecting people across the globe. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the virus was first diagnosed in the United States in April 2009. Doctors confirmed that the virus is spread human-to-human the same way that the regular flu virus moves.
For a free flyer from the CDC that includes information about the H1N1 virus and flu preparedness, click here.
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The CDC says that the virus “was originally referred to as 'swine flu' because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs (swine) in North America."
Symptoms to Look Out For:
According to the CDC, symptoms of H1N1 flu include fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea. If you live in an area with identified cases of H1N1 flu and you have influenza like symptoms you may want to contact your health care provider. They will determine whether or not influenza testing or treatment is needed.
Prevention and Treatment:
Doctors, the World Health Organization and the CDC all recommend to treat H1N1 with the same mindset as you would any other flu virus. Covering your mouth with your sleeve or tissue when you sneeze and cough, properly disposing of tissues and washing your hands are all ways to prevent transfer and illness, officials said.
If you feel like you are coming down with any of the symptoms of H1N1 please contact a doctor and seek medical attention immediatly.
CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Rest and additional fluids can also help alleviate H1N1 symptoms. However, these are not an alternative to going to the doctor. Furthermore, taking other people’s medication could be dangerous and cause serious health problems.
The Vaccine
According to the CDC’s Web site, vaccines are “the most powerful public health tool for control of influenza, and the U.S. government is working closely with manufacturers to take steps in the process to manufacture a 2009 H1N1 vaccine.” Unfortunately, officials say that the seasonal flu vaccine is not expected to protect against the 2009 H1N1 virus. The CDC has compiled a list contact information for local authorities about the vaccine. Click here for that info.
The CDC has provided a detailed list of the H1N1 vaccine available across the country. You can read their information here.
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization practices has recommended that priority vaccinations be given to “pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, health care and emergency medical services personnel with direct patient contact, children 6 months through 4 years of age, and children 5 through 18 years of age who have chronic medical conditions." For more information about the vaccine and children, please read this flyer provided by the CDC.
The CDC's FluView National Flu Activity Map
