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Understanding Novel H1n1 Influenza

Understanding Novel H1n1 Influenza. 2009 - 2010. What is Novel H1N1 Influenza?. H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people.

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Understanding Novel H1n1 Influenza

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  1. Understanding NovelH1n1 Influenza 2009 - 2010

  2. What is Novel H1N1 Influenza? • H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. • This new virus was first detected in the United States in April 2009. Many other countries have reported people sick with this new virus. Some deaths have occurred. • The H1N1 influenza virus can be transmitted from person-to-person through coughing or sneezing. Some people may also become infected by touching something with the H1N1 influenza on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Source - CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/swineflu_you.htm

  3. Novel H1N1 Influenza Symptoms The symptoms of H1N1 influenza are similar to those of seasonal influenza • Fever • Lethargy • Lack of appetite • Sneezing and coughing • Some people infected with the H1N1 influenza also reported having a runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

  4. Seasonal Flu Shot Will the seasonal flu shot protect me from H1N1 influenza virus? No, You will need to get the seasonal flu shot for protection against seasonal flu and the H1N1 influenza vaccination for protection against H1N1 influenza virus.

  5. What vaccines are available for H1N1 Influenza? Nasal spray–Live, attenuated intranasal vaccine (or LAIV)is sprayed into the nose. Nasal spray is available for healthy people from 2-49 years of age. Injection–Inactivatedvaccine is injected into the muscle. It is available for anyone over age 6 months.

  6. Are H1N1 Influenza Vaccines Safe? The vaccines are made just like seasonal flu vaccines and are just as safe and effective. However, they will not prevent seasonal flu or flu-like symptoms caused by other viruses.

  7. Who Should Be Vaccinated Against H1N1 Influenza? High priority people include: • Pregnant women • People who live with or care for infants younger than 6 months of age • Health care and emergency medical personnel • Children and young adults ages 6 months through 24 years of age • Anyone from 25 through 64 years of age with certain chronic medical conditions or a weakened immune system

  8. Protecting yourself and others from getting sick One way to keep from getting sick is to be vaccinated against both seasonal and H1N1 influenza. Other ways include: • Washing your hands often with soap and water. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. • Avoiding close contact with sick people. • Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way. • Coughing and sneezing into a tissue and throw it away promptly. If there is no tissue available, cough or sneeze into your sleeve. • Avoiding shaking hands.  Do not kiss in greeting. • If you get sick with influenza, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

  9. If you should get sick… • If you become ill with influenza-like symptoms, you may want to contact your regular health care provider. • Your health care provider will determine whether influenza treatment is needed. • If you have symptoms, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others. • Most people who contract the flu recover without any treatment.

  10. Seeking emergency medical care for children In children, warning signs that require urgent medical attention include: • 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

  11. Seeking emergency medical care for adults In adults, warning signs that require 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

  12. H1N1 Influenza Most people recover without medical treatment within 5 to 7 days.

  13. Pork and H1N1 Influenza Can people catch H1N1 Influenza from eating pork? • No, you cannot get H1N1 Influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating pork that is properly handled and cooked is safe.

  14. Understanding NovelH1n1 Influenza www.Houstonflu.org • Questions & Answers

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