- 1 - H1N1 Influenza What we know

- 2 - What is H1N1 Flu? A new, or novel, flu for which humans have little or no natural immunity H1N1 has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization A pandemic is a global outbreak of a serious human flu

- 3 - What Do We Know About H1N1? Most people recover from H1N1 without hospitalization or medical care Severe illness from H1N1 appears to be similar to seasonal flu H1N1 has affected different age groups than seasonal flu –It more often affects younger adults and children

- 4 - How Prevalent is H1N1 Flu? It is widespread in the United States and elsewhere Tests for H1N1 are done only for cases hospitalized or deceased We know that most people with the flu now have the H1N1 virus H1N1 is expected to increase during the fall

- 5 - Who is Most At Risk for a Severe Case of H1N1? Pregnant women Children 0 – 5 years of age Individuals of all ages with chronic medical conditions –Pulmonary asthma, cystic fibrosis, COPD –Immune compromised –Medically fragile

- 6 - Prevention H1N1 Flu

- 7 - How Can One Prevent the Spread of the Flu? Personal care –Wash your hands frequently –Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth –Cover your cough Stay home when you are ill Avoid contact with others who are ill

- 8 - Medical Prevention Get vaccinated against the flu from your healthcare provider –Seasonal flu –H1N1 flu (as it becomes available)

- 9 - When Can We Obtain H1N1 Vaccinations? H1N1 vaccine is available in limited quantities The PHD recommends those at highest risk for severe illness get it first Encourage individuals at risk to get the vaccine

What Can Schools Do? Encourage students and staff to stay home when sick (at least 24 hours after no fever) Separate ill students and staff Reinforce hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette Keep up routine cleaning Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers Encourage vaccinations as they become available

When Should a Child with Flu be Excluded from School? When the child has a fever of degrees and one of the following: –Cough –Sore throat –Headache –Muscle ache –Upset stomach

When Can a Child Return to School? 24 hours after a fever is gone When the child is well enough to participate A note from a physician is not required

When Do We Dismiss School? School dismissals are not routinely recommended Dismissal should be discussed with the Health Officer based on the situation at the time Dismissals could be recommended: –if schools are not able to maintain normal functioning –to decrease the spread of flu if the disease is severe

How Can You Best Get Your Questions Answered from PHD? Access website at Call our information line at