Understanding Novel Flu H1N1 Formerly “Swine Flu”

…working in partnership with the community to protect and promote the health and social well-being of all residents Houston! What is Novel Flu H1N1? H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in April 2009 in the United States. Other countries, around the world, have reported people sick with this new virus. Some deaths have occurred. This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. Source - CDC:

…working in partnership with the community to protect and promote the health and social well-being of all residents Houston! Novel Flu H1N1 Symptoms The symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of the regular influenza Fever Lethargy Lack of appetite Sneezing and coughing Some people infected with the swine flu also reported having a runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

…working in partnership with the community to protect and promote the health and social well-being of all residents Houston! Seasonal Flu Shot Will the seasonal flu shot protect me from H1n1 flu virus? No, that vaccine is not protective against this new virus. You will need to get the seasonal flu shot for protection against seasonal flu and the H1N1 vaccination for protection against that virus.

…working in partnership with the community to protect and promote the health and social well-being of all residents Houston! What vaccines are available for H1N1 Flu? Two forms of vaccine are available. Nasal spray– Live, attenuated intranasal vaccine (or LAIV) is sprayed into the nose. Injection – Inactivated vaccine is injected into the muscle, like the annual flu shot. Are the vaccines safe? The vaccines are made just like seasonal flu vaccines and are just as safe and effective. However, they will not prevent seasonal flu nor will they prevent flu-like symptoms caused by other viruses. Note: Based upon vaccine availability, eligibility may be limited to the highest of high priority people

…working in partnership with the community to protect and promote the health and social well-being of all residents Houston! Who Should Be Vaccinated Against H1N1? Pregnant women People who live with or care for infants younger than 6 months of age Health care and emergency medical personnel Anyone from 6 months through 24 years of age Anyone from 25 through 64 years of age with certain chronic medical conditions or a weakened immune system Injection – For high priority people including: Nasal Spray – For healthy people who are from 2 through 49 years of age including people who: Live with or care for infants younger than 6 months of age Are health care or emergency medical personnel Are healthy with no medical problems

…working in partnership with the community to protect and promote the health and social well-being of all residents Houston! Protecting yourself and others from getting sick Washing your hands often with soap and water. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.Washing your hands often with soap and water. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. Avoiding close contact with sick people.Avoiding close contact with sick people. Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way. Coughing and sneezing into a tissue and throw it away promptly. If there is no tissue available, cough or sneeze into your sleeve.Coughing and sneezing into a tissue and throw it away promptly. If there is no tissue available, cough or sneeze into your sleeve. Avoiding shaking hands. Do not kiss in greeting.Avoiding shaking hands. Do not kiss in greeting. If you get sick with influenza, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.If you get sick with influenza, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. One way to keep from getting sick is to be vaccinated against both seasonal and H1N1 flu. Other ways include:

…working in partnership with the community to protect and promote the health and social well-being of all residents Houston! If you should get sick… If you become ill with influenza-like symptoms, you may want to contact your regular health care provider. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed. If you have symptoms, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others. Most people who contract the flu recover without any treatment.

…working in partnership with the community to protect and promote the health and social well-being of all residents Houston! Seeking emergency medical care for children 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 children, warning signs that require urgent medical attention include:

…working in partnership with the community to protect and promote the health and social well-being of all residents Houston! Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen Sudden dizziness Confusion Severe or persistent vomiting Seeking emergency medical care for adults In adults, warning signs that require urgent medical attention include:

…working in partnership with the community to protect and promote the health and social well-being of all residents Houston! H1N1 Flu Most people recover without medical treatment within 5 to 7 days. How is it diagnosed In order to confirm a diagnosis, a nasal swab should be collected within the first four to five days of illness.

…working in partnership with the community to protect and promote the health and social well-being of all residents Houston! Pork and H1N1 No, you cannot get H1N1 influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. Can people catch swine flu from eating pork?

Understanding Novel Flu H1N1 Questions & Answers