The following FAQs regard questions about the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus and its effect on human health, including steps to minimize infection and medical care options.

1. What is the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus?

The 2009 H1N1 influenza virus (previously referred to as the “swine flu”) is a subtype of influenza virus type A. It causes respiratory illness in some individuals infected with the virus. It is a new virus that has never before circulated among humans. It is not related to previous or current human seasonal influenza viruses. Like seasonal flu, disease caused by the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe.

2. Why is so much attention being paid to this virus?

This virus, which was first identified in the spring of 2009, is contagious, is spread person to person and has caused illness in people around the world. In mid-June 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported cases of infection with the virus in more than 70 countries and declared it a phase 6 pandemic. More than 180 countries have now reported cases of illness with the 2009 pandemic influenza virus.

3. What is the difference between a “pandemic,” “epidemic” and “seasonal flu”?

Seasonal flu viruses are referred to as seasonal because their timing, duration and severity may be related to the season of the year, such as the fall and winter. An epidemic occurs when a disease affects a greater number people than is usual for the locality or one that spreads to areas not usually associated with the disease. Pandemic flu spreads rapidly from person to person to create an epidemic on a world-wide scale.

4. How does the 2009 H1N1 influenza differ from the seasonal flu?

The 2009 H1N1 influenza virus and seasonal influenza flu viruses are both types of Influenza viruses. The 2009 H1N1 influenza virus is a new influenza virus causing illness in people that most individuals have no or limited immunity against. It was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009.

5. How does the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus compare to seasonal flu in terms of its severity?

CDC is still learning about the severity of the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. At this time, there is not enough information to predict how severe the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus outbreak may be in terms of illness and death or how it will compare with seasonal influenza.

6. How does the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus spread to individuals?

Like other influenza viruses, it appears to spread primarily through human-to-human contact, such as from coughing and sneezing. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. For this reason, it is important to follow healthful behaviors, such as routine hand washing and covering your cough, to reduce the likelihood of infection. (See Question 10 below)

7. I heard that the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus infects children more than adults.

Is this true?

Based on what scientists know to date, the largest number of 2009 H1N1 influenza virus confirmed and probable cases have occurred in people between the ages of 5 and 24 years. At this time, there are few cases and no deaths reported in people older than 64 years old, which is unusual when compared with seasonal flu. However, pregnancy and other previously recognized high risk medical conditions from seasonal influenza appear to be associated with increased risk of complications from this 2009 H1N1 influenza virus.

8. Who is susceptible to infection with the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus?

So far, the largest number of confirmed and probable cases of 2009 H1N1 influenza virus infection have been in people between the ages of 5 and 24 years. At this time, there are few cases and no deaths reported in people older than 64 years old, which is unusual when compared with seasonal flu. However, pregnancy and other previously recognized high risk medical conditions from seasonal influenza appear to be associated with increased risk of complications from this 2009 H1N1 influenza virus.

9. What is a good web site to learn more about the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus and how I can protect myself/my family?

A good website for information about this virus is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

Identifying, Responding to, and Minimizing Influenza Infection

10. How can I prevent the spread of this virus?

There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of viruses that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. These include:

A. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
B. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
C. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
D. Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
E. Stay home if you are sick for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.
F. Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.

11. What are the symptoms I should be aware of for the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus?

The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 influenza virus infection are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu. They include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.

12. When should I contact my health care provider?

If you have mild symptoms and are otherwise healthy, you do not necessarily need to contact your physician or seek medical care. You should rest, drink plenty of fluids and limit your normal activities for a period of time, such as work, school, travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings. If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed.

13. What are the warning signs of serious illness? When should I seek emergency medical care?

The CDC recommends that if you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek medical care promptly. In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include: Fast breathing or trouble breathing, Bluish or gray skin color, Not drinking enough fluids, Severe or persistent vomiting, 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 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, Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough. Please refer to the CDC’s web site for more information at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

14. I was diagnosed with 2009 H1N1 flu earlier this year – can I get it again?

The current 2009 H1N1 flu virus may change and the immunity benefits of the new virus may are unknown. Please confer with your doctor for more information.

15. Since the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus vaccine won’t be available soon, should

I get the seasonal flu vaccine for myself and children?

In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. However, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that certain people should get vaccinated each year. These are people who are at high risk of having serious flu related complications or people who live with or care for those at high risk for serious complications. People who should get vaccinated each year are:

A. Children aged six months up to their 19th birthday

B. Pregnant women

C. People 50 years of age and older

D. People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions, such as asthmas, heart disease or diabetes

E. People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities

F. People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu,  including;

Health care workers

Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu

Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 5 years of age (particularly important for those with children younger than 6 months of age because these children are too young to be vaccinated)