Hot Topic: 2009 H1N1 (Swine) Influenza

Vaccine Availability Information
Información en Español
Information for Health Care Providers

Have additional questions about 2009 H1N1 Influenza? For more information about the virus, prevention or vaccines, you may call Georgia's new flu information hotline at 1-888-H1N1-INFO. That's 1-888-4161-4636.

2009 H1N1 Influenza Information:

General information about 2009 H1N1 Influenza, information about local response and helpful planning guides are included on this page. You may also want to click the link in the box below to visit the Centers for Disease Control's 2009 H1N1 Influenza web site.


The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared 2009 H1N1 influenza A (formerly known as swine flu) a global pandemic. That means that there are outbreaks of the virus all over the world, including the United States. So far, most cases of the virus have been mild or moderate; however, there is no way to predict how severe the virus could become.

Spread of 2009 H1N1 influenza virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 influenza in people are often similar to regular seasonal flu and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with 2009 H1N1 influenza also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

You cannot get 2009 H1N1 influenza from eating pork. H1N1 influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160°F kills the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus as it does other bacteria and viruses.

There are things you can do now to prepare. Having certain items on hand will be useful if you need to stay home during an emergency such as a flu pandemic.

Create an emergency supply kit that includes:
• A 2-week supply of bottled water (one gallon per family member per day. Include extra water for pets)
• At least a 2-week supply of nonperishable, ready-to-eat food such as canned fruits, meats and vegetables, protein bars, crackers, dry cereal, fruit juices, etc.
• Pet food, if needed
• Baby food or formula and diapers, if needed
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Manual can opener, disposable plates and utensils, garbage bags, toilet paper, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, and hand sanitizer
• Over-the-counter medications for fever, pain, diarrhea, coughs and colds
• Thermometer

You should also:
• Remind your family to practice healthy habits
• Learn home treatment for flu
• Get a flu shot every year. It's still the best way to protect yourself from seasonal flu.
• Find out about your employer's plans for a flu pandemic
• Make backup plans for possible school or work closings and other disruptions
• Have a copy of each family member's medical history.
• Continue to check credible sources of information regarding pandemic flu including the following websites:
Georgia Division of Public Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Don't Forget To:
• 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.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

What We're Doing
• The Coastal Health District is monitoring the situation, receiving frequent updates from the Centers for Disease Control about the spread of H1N1 influenza, as well as recommended prevention measures.
• We are communicating with, and giving guidance to, area hospitals and doctor's offices.
• We are working to educate the public through our website, the news media, and in partnership with local agencies such as the school system.
• We are reviewing our own pandemic flu response plans and coordinating with other local emergency responders to assist with their planning efforts.

General Info about H1N1 influenza:
H1N1 Influenza & You
Key Facts
H1N1 Influenza Video
Antiviral Drugs
Audio Public Service Announcements

Preparing at Home:
Planning Guide for Families
Family Emergency Health Information Sheet
Emergency Contacts Form
Home Care for Pandemic Flu
American Public Health Association's Get Ready Website
Family Disaster Plan

Preparing at Schools:
School District Pandemic Flu Planning Checklist
Checklist for Childcare and Pre Schools
Checklist for Colleges and Universities

Preparing at Businesses:
Preparing Your Business Brochure
Checklist for Businesses
US Chamber of Commerce's Section on Pandemic Planning
Checklist for Media Partners

WWW Address: http://www.gachd.org/hot-topic/swine_flu_information.php