What You Need to Know About the H1N1 Virus
H1N1 (sometimes called “swine flu”) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. The majority of H1N1 influenza cases have been mild or moderate.
How does the H1N1 virus spread?
H1N1 is contagious. It has been found in almost every country worldwide and spreads primarily when an infected person coughs or sneezes. People may also become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Infected people may be able to infect others up to 24 hours before symptoms appear and up to five to seven days after becoming sick.
This means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. So always make sure you sneeze or cough into your elbow or sleeve. Remember to clean your hands either with soap and water or alcohol gel frequently.
How long can an infected person spread the H1N1 virus to others?
People with H1N1 should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possibly for up to seven days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, may be contagious for longer periods.
H1N1 flu vs. seasonal flu
These two flus aren't really that different. A lot of what you already know about the seasonal flu applies to the H1N1 flu. According to the CDC, most people recover from the seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu on their own, without medical attention. H1N1 symptoms are primarily the same as seasonal flu, except with the addition of diarrhea and vomiting in some adults.
Unlike the seasonal flu, which is usually the most serious for seniors and very young children, the H1N1 virus is most often contracted by children and young adults. Pregnant women and people with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart or lung disease are most likely to be hospitalized. People 64 or older appear to have a lower risk of catching H1N1 flu. The seasonal flu shot does not provide protection against the H1N1 virus.
What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1 virus?
Symptoms are similar to regular seasonal flu and include:
- Fever > 100 F
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Body aches
- Headache
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Sometimes diarrhea and vomiting
What should I do if I get sick?
If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others. If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
- Fever with a rash
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
For more information about the H1N1 Flu, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Web site. Local information is also available on the County of Sacramento, Department of Health & Human Services, Division of Public Health Web site.
Sacramento County H1N1 Flu Vaccination Clinic Schedule
Sacramento County Public Health is offering H1N1 Flu vaccination clinics. The vaccine will be provided FREE OF CHARGE to anyone medically eligible aged 6 months and older.
Because H1N1 vaccine supplies are currently limited, vaccinations at clinics from November 16 through November 24 will be restricted to priority groups. These groups include pregnant women, healthcare workers, persons caring for children under 6 months of age, children and young adults aged 6 months to 24 years, and adults aged 24-64 with underlying medical conditions.
Clinic schedule may change due to vaccine availability or other factors. Please check the Sacramento Country Web site for the latest information before going to the clinic:
Sacramento County Public Health Division
H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) Information Center
