Frequently Asked Questions about H1N1 Flu Virus

What is the 2009 H1N1 flu virus?

The 2009 H1N1 is a new influenza virus, unique from seasonal influenza, causing illnesses in the United States and around the world. It was first identified in the United States in April 2009.

How is it different from the seasonal flu virus?

The H1N1 flu virus affects groups who are normally less-affected during the seasonal flu season, such as young individuals age five to 24, healthy individuals, as well as the ill, and sometimes with more severe symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. Still, the symptoms are almost identical, so those who think they may have any flu virus should contact your medical provider or seek medical attention.

What groups have a high-risk of serious complications from H1N1?

While most people who have been sick have recovered without needing medical treatment, hospitalizations and deaths from infection with this virus have occurred. Approximately 70 percent of people who have been hospitalized with this 2009 H1N1 virus have had one or more medical conditions previously recognized as placing people at “high risk” of serious seasonal flu-related complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC ). With the seasonal flu, people 65 years and older, children younger than five years old, pregnant women, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions are considered being at a high-risk of complications. However, with H1N1, the list includes:

• Pregnant women
• People who live with or care for children younger than six months of age
• Health care and emergency medical services personnel
• Persons between the ages of six months through four years of age
• People age five years to 24 years (with or without chronic heath conditions)
• People age 25 through 64 years who are at higher risk for complications from H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems

Is t he H1N1 virus contagious?

Yes, the H1N1 flu virus is contagious and spread from person-to-person.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of both flu viruses include:

• a cough
• body aches
• fever
• sore throat
• runny or stuffy nose
• fatigue
• chills
• headache

According to the CDC, a significant amount of people infected with the novel H1N1 virus also experienced diarrhea and vomiting.

Emergency warning signs for children include: flu-like symptoms that have improved and returned with a fever and worse cough, fast breathing, not waking up or interacting, bluish or gray skin color, not drinking enough fluids, persistent vomiting and being so irritable he/she does not want to be held.

Emergency warning signs for adults include: flu-like symptoms that have improved and returned with a fever and worse cough, fast breathing, persistent vomiting, confusion, sudden dizziness and pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen. Individuals with these symptoms should seek emergency medical care.

Are there any treatments for H1N1 if you do contract it?

Although there are drugs available that, when taken early, can lessen the symptoms and the impact of the flu, it cannot be cured. For the seriously ill, the CDC recommends the use of antiviral drugs for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with the H1N1 flu virus. The priority use for influenza antiviral drugs is to treat severely ill, such as hospitalized patients, and people who have a condition that places them at high risk for serious flu-related complications. Ask your physician if antiviral drugs are appropriate for your case.

Is there an H1N1 vaccine?

A vaccine for novel H1N1is being tested and should be available in mid-October, according to the CDC. The seasonal flu vaccine is available in many places now and the public is being encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible to keep their immunities healthy. For information on seasonal flu clinics near you, visit www.jhsmh.org/eventdetail.asp?id=496 or call our seasonal flu and pneumonia clinic hotline at (502) 581-8614 for up-to-date clinic offerings.

Who should not receive the vaccine when it becomes available?

There are some people who should not be vaccinated without first consulting a physician, including:

• People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs.
• People who have had a past, severe reaction to an influenza vaccination.
• People who developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) within six weeks of getting an influenza vaccine.
• Children less than six months of age.
• People who have a moderate-to-severe illness with a fever (they should wait until they recover to get vaccinated.)

What should people do to lower their risk of catching H1N1?

Even when both vaccines are available, Jewish Hospital & St. Mary’s HealthCare recommends following “The Three C’s” to help slow the progression of the seasonal and H1N1 flu viruses: clean, cover and contain.

-Clean: Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers, especially after coughing or sneezing. Also, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

-Cover: Cover coughs or sneezes with a tissue or hands, then dispose of the tissue and always wash your hands afterwards.

-Contain: If you or your child has flu-like symptoms, do not go in public except to seek medical care. If a child has the symptoms, contact the school and keep him/her home until at least 24-hours after a fever has subsided or cleared by a medical professional. Avoid close contact with someone who is ill as much as possible, especially if you are at a high risk for complications from the viruses (e.g.- people 65 and older and young children, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems and/or preexisting medical issues such as diabetes, asthma or heart disease).

Other ways to precautions include:

• When using soap and water, wash for 15 to 20 seconds.
• If you can’t wash your hands, use an alcohol-based cleaner.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Refrain from close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough, and discard the tissue into a wastebasket.
• If you get sick, stay home.

For more information on H1N1, call 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) or visit: www.cdc.gov/H1N1FLU or www.flu.gov.