What is Swine Flu?
A/H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu”) was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. Other countries, including Mexico and Canada, have reported people sick with this new virus. This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.
What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in people?
The symptoms of this new H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Also, like seasonal flu, severe illnesses and death have occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.
How severe is illness associated with this novel H1N1 flu virus?
It’s not known at this time how severe this new H1N1 flu virus will be in the general population. In seasonal flu, there are certain people that are at higher risk of serious flu-related complications. This includes people 65 years old and older, children younger than five years old, pregnant women, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions. Early indications are that pregnancy and other previously recognized medical conditions that increase the risk of influenza-related complications, like asthma and diabetes, also appear to be associated with increased risk of complications from this novel H1N1 virus infection as well.
One thing that appears to be different from seasonal influenza is that adults older than 64 do not yet appear to be at increased risk of novel H1N1-related complications thus far in the outbreak. The CDC is conducting laboratory studies to see if certain people might have natural immunity to this virus, depending on their age. Early reports indicate that no children and few adults younger than 60 years old have existing antibody to the novel H1N1 flu virus; however, about one third of adults older than 60 may have antibodies against this virus. It is unknown how much, if any, protection may be afforded against the novel H1N1 flu by any existing antibody.
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza.
Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
- 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 hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- Stay home if you are sick for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.
For more information, visit the following websites:
World Health Organization: www.who.int/en
FDA: 2009 H1N1 (Swine) Flu Virus: www.fda.gov/h1n1flu
State Health Department websites: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/states.htm