What is novel H1N1 (swine flu)?
Novel H1N1 (initially called swine flu) is a new, or novel, strain of the influenza virus responsible for illnesses in a fast-growing number of people. The virus initially was detected in people in the United States in April 2009. It has been spreading person-to-person worldwide in the same manner as the seasonal influenza virus. The World Health Organization, on June 11, 2009, announced that a H1N1 flu pandemic was underway.
Is H1N1 contagious?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other national and international health agencies has said that H1N1 is contagious and is spreading worldwide.
How severe is illness from H1N1?
Illness with H1N1 ranges from mild to severe. Most people recover without needing medical treatment, but hospitalizations and death from H1N1 infection have occurred. Of those who have been hospitalized, about 70 percent had a medical condition placing them at higher risk of flu-related complications. Such people include pregnant women, diabetics, those with heart disease, asthma and kidney disease.
When should I consider seeing my doctor?
People with chronic medical conditions (asthma, diabetes, heart disease, etc.), pregnant women and young children are more likely to get complications from influenza. Should you fall under any of the aforementioned categories, contact your health care provider if you have flu-like symptoms.
Who is recommended to receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends conditions be placed on those who can be vaccinated first against H1N1 flu.
The first wave of groups to be vaccinated includes those who are the most vulnerable to the H1N1 virus, including:
- Health care workers and emergency medical service providers
- Pregnant women
- Household members and caregivers of children younger than 6 months
- Children and young adults ages 6 months to 24 years old
- People ages 25 to 64 years old with underlying health conditions that could make them dangerously ill from the flu
How likely is it that we could see a shortage of H1N1 vaccine?
A shortage of 2009 H1N1 vaccine is not expected, but availability and demand is unpredictable. There is some possibility the vaccine will be available in limited quantities initially. In this setting, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended the following groups receive the vaccine before others: pregnant women; people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age; health care and emergency medical services personnel with direct patient contact; children 6 months through 4 years of age; and children 5 through 18 years of age who have chronic medical conditions.
Do people older than age 65 have less risk of contracting H1N1?
One difference between seasonal influenza and H1N1 is the fact that adults older than 65 years do not appear to be at increased risk of 2009 H1N1-related complications thus far. According to CDC laboratory studies, no children and very few adults younger than 60 years old have existing antibodies to H1N1, however, one-third of adults older than 60 may have some immunities against H1N1.
Does vaccination against the 1976 swine flu offer immunity against the 2009 strain?
The 1976 swine flu virus and the 2009 H1N1 virus are different enough that its unlikely a person vaccinated in 1976 will have full protection from the 2009 H1N1. Immunization against the 2009 H1N1 virus is recommended.
Do antivirals treat H1N1 infection?
Antiviral drugs fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in the body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. This fall, antivirals may be prioritized for persons with severe illness or those at higher risk for flu complications.
If I have a sick family member at home with H1N1, should I stay home, too?
Employees who are well but who have an ill family member at home with H1N1 can go to work as usual. These employees should monitor their health every day, and take common sense precautions including washing their hands often with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand cleaners. If they become ill, they should notify their supervisor and stay home. Employees who have an underlying medical condition or who are pregnant should call their health care provider for advice, as they may need to receive influenza antiviral drugs to help prevent illness.
Can I get infected with 2009 H1N1 virus from eating or preparing pork?
No, 2009 H1N1 viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get infected with novel HIN1 virus from eating pork or pork products.
Is there a H1N1 risk in tap water?
Tap water that has been treated by conventional disinfection processes does not likely pose a risk for transmission of influenza viruses. Current drinking water treatment regulations provide a high degree of protection from viruses. To date, there have been no documented human cases of influenza caused by exposure to influenza-contaminated drinking water.
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