Hot Topic: Novel H1N1 Flu FAQ
Each fall and winter certain illnesses such as colds and the flu begin to circulate. This year, we also face a new health challenge: novel H1N1 influenza (A). So what exactly is novel H1N1 flu (formerly known as swine flu) and how can you protect yourself from getting it?
Q. What is novel H1N1 flu and how is it spread?
A. Novel H1N1 influenza (formerly known as "swine flu") is a new strain of flu virus that spreads mainly from person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with the flu virus on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
Q. What are the symptoms of novel H1N1 flu?
A. The symptoms are similar to regular seasonal flu and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Symptoms may also include runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Q. What should I do if I think I have novel H1N1 flu?
A. If you are ill or if you have been in contact with someone infected by novel H1N1 flu, contact your healthcare provider. Or, if you are ill and your symptoms are severe, or if you are worried about your symptoms, contact your healthcare provider. If you are sick with a flu-like illness, remain at home until at least 24 hours after you are free of fever (100° F), or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.
Q. Will a regular flu shot protect me from novel H1N1 flu?
A. Each year, a new vaccine is developed for seasonal flu based on the flu strains that are expected to cause the most illness that year. Seasonal flu is a significant cause of illness and hospitalization during winter months. For that reason, everyone 6 months of age and older is encouraged to get a seasonal flu shot every year. Because novel H1N1 flu is a new virus strain that has never been seen before, the seasonal flu shot will not protect you against novel H1N1 flu. A vaccine is being developed for novel H1N1 flu but it will not be available until late fall.
When the vaccine is available, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that the following groups get vaccinated first:
• Pregnant women because they are at higher risk of complications and can potentially provide protection to infants who cannot be vaccinated;
• Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age because younger infants are at higher risk of influenza-related complications and cannot be vaccinated. Vaccination of those in close contact with infants less than 6 months old might help protect infants by "cocooning" them from the virus;
• Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel because infections among healthcare workers have been reported and this can be a potential source of infection for vulnerable patients. Also, increased absenteeism in this population could reduce healthcare system capacity;
• All people from 6 months through 24 years of age
- Children from 6 months through 18 years of age because we have seen many cases of novel H1N1 influenza in children and they are in close contact with each other in school and day care settings, which increases the likelihood of disease spread, and
- Young adults 19 through 24 years of age because we have seen many cases of novel H1N1 influenza in these healthy young adults and they often live, work, and study in close proximity, and they are a frequently mobile population; and,
• Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.
Q. How can I keep myself and my family healthy?
A. There are several important and simple ways to prevent the spread of germs and illness:
• Practice good hand-washing and hygiene habits to prevent the spread of viruses. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Sneeze into your elbow or cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw away the tissue after you use it.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Stay home if you get sick and limit contact with others to keep from spreading the infection.
Q. Can I get novel H1N1 flu from eating pork?
A. No. You cannot get novel H1N1 flu from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.
Hand Washing
Proper hand-washing is the best way to prevent illness at home, work, and school. It's simple, it's easy, and it works.
When should you wash your hands?
• Before preparing or eating food
• After going to the bathroom
• After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has gone to the bathroom
• Before and after tending to someone who is sick
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• After handling an animal or animal waste
• After handling garbage
• Before and after treating a cut or wound
For more information on novel H1N1 flu, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website.
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