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What is H1N1 influenza A?

H1N1 influenza A, sometimes called “swine flu,” is a new flu virus that can be transmitted to people.

It is a different virus from seasonal or “common” flu, to which most people have some immunity. H1N1 has genes from viruses that normally circulate in pigs, as well as avian and human genes.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined that the current H1N1 influenza A virus is contagious and is spreading between people, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. How readily the virus spreads is not yet understood.

What are the symptoms of H1N1 flu?

H1N1 flu symptoms are similar to those of the common or seasonal flu and generally include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, headache, chills and fatigue. Diarrhea, nausea and vomiting can also be associated with H1N1 influenza A.

How does the flu spread?

Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. People can sometimes become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and infect a person for up to 2 to 8 hours after being deposited on the surface.

The CDC is still studying H1N1 and its capabilities, but it believes that the new virus has the same properties in terms of spread as seasonal flu viruses. Studies show people with seasonal flu may be contagious from one day before they develop symptoms to up to seven days after they get sick. Children might be contagious for longer periods.

You cannot get H1N1 flu from eating properly cooked pork or pork products.

What precautions should I take to avoid H1N1 flu?

Many recommendations for avoiding H1N1 flu are similar to those for avoiding seasonal flu. No single action will provide complete protection, but an approach combining the following steps can help decrease the likelihood of transmission:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. The CDC recommends washing for 15 to 20 seconds. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective; rub your hands until the gel is dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, as germs can be spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people. “Close contact” can be defined as a distance of up to six feet, according to the CDC.
• If you get sick with flu, stay home from work or school for seven days after your symptoms begin, or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours. Limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• Emergency medical technicians and other health-care workers who are transporting or taking care of people with respiratory illness may be wearing masks or hoods.

There is no vaccine available at the moment for H1N1 virus. The U.S. government is taking early steps in the process to manufacture a novel H1N1 vaccine, working with manufacturers. Making vaccine is a multi-step process requiring several months to complete.

When should I seek medical attention?

Most people who get H1N1 flu require no specific treatment other than rest, lots of fluids and perhaps acetaminophen for fever (aspirin is not recommended). If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.

You may want to telephone your physician if you develop flu-like symptoms and grow worried about them. A physician can determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.

If you have severe illness – or suffer from emphysema, heart disease, diabetes or other chronic health problems – call your doctor’s office or seek medical care. Your physician may want to see you for testing and to prescribe medications. Also, call your doctor if you do not start to feel better within 5 to 7 days.

If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.

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

If you are having an emergency, call 9-1-1.

How serious is H1N1 flu?

Many people are unaware that even seasonal or “common” flu can be serious or fatal in some situations. Thousands of people die from seasonal flu-related causes in the United States each year. Older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease) are typically at high risk for serious flu complications.

Flu complications can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.

The CDC indicates that adults older than 64 years do not yet appear to be at increased risk of H1N1-related complications so far in the current outbreak. The agency is conducting more research about this issue.

Like seasonal flu, H1N1 flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications. They may make the illness milder for people who already are sick, and can minimize or prevent serious flu complications.