General Info

H1N1 (sometimes called “swine flu”) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009 and has spread to many countries throughout the world.  The H1N1 flu virus spreads in the same way seasonal flu spreads, mainly through:

• Person-to-person contact
• Coughs and sneezes of people who are sick with the virus
• By touching infected objects and then touching your nose, mouth or eyes

Studies have shown that the flu virus can survive on surfaces and can infect a

person for 2 to 8 hours after being spread to the surface.

As of October 3, 2009, 99% of circulating influenza viruses in the United States were H1N1 influenza. There is a vaccine available to protect against the H1N1 flu virus.

It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of the flu and stay home when sick.

H1N1 infection causes a wide range of flu-like symptoms, including:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore Throat
• Body Aches
• Headache
• Chills
• Fatigue

Some people have also experienced diarrhea and vomiting with the H1N1 flu virus.

The following are “emergency warning signs” that should signal
anyone to seek medical care urgently!!

In 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 adults:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting