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H1N1 Information and Updates. Martin County Sheriff’s Office . H1N1 – What is it?. Influenza A H1N1 or the Swine Flu. H1N1 is a completely new or novel influenza virus, encountered in the US in April 2009. Being a new or novel virus is one reason no one has an immunity.
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H1N1 Information and Updates Martin County Sheriff’s Office
H1N1 – What is it? • Influenza A H1N1 or the Swine Flu. • H1N1 is a completely new or novel influenza virus, encountered in the US in April 2009. • Being a new or novel virus is one reason no one has an immunity. • H1N1 has gene pieces from 4 different influenza viruses.
How H1N1 is different H1N1 is different from the seasonal flu virus in that the most severe cases and deaths have occurred in adults under the age of 50. Usually, most of the deaths and severe complications from the seasonal flu occur in people 65 years or older. These are photos of the H1N1 virus.
How is H1N1 spread? • H1N1 does not come from eating pork. • Like seasonal influenza, H1N1 is thought to be spread mainly from person to person through sneezing and coughing by people with the virus. • Persons may also become infected by touching something – such as a surface or object – (Door knob, desk top etc.) that has the H1N1 on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
The spread of H1N1 • H1N1 can survive on many environmental surfaces for 2 to 8 hours and still be able to cause an illness.
Symptoms of H1N1 • Symptoms of H1N1 usually include: • Fever • Cough • Sore Throat • Runny Nose • Stuffy Nose • Body Aches • Headache • Chills • Fatigue • Some people with H1N1 have reported vomiting and diarrhea. • Most people get better without needing medical treatment.
Emergency warning signs of H1N1 • In Children: • Fast breathing or trouble breathing • Bluish skin color • Not drinking enough fluids • Not waking up or interacting • Fever with a rash • Being so irritable the child does not want to be held • In Adults : • Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen • Sudden dizziness • Confusion • Severe or persistent vomitting
High risk groups for H1N1 • Children younger than 5, but especially children under 2 years • People 65 and older • Pregnant Women • Patients with Immunosupressed conditions i.e. HIV, AIDS, chemotherapy, long term steroids • People with chronic medical conditions : • Cancer, blood disorders, chronic lung disease, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disorders, neurological disorders, neuromuscular disorders
How to stay healthy • Stay informed. Local county Health Department sites as well as the CDC and Florida Department of Health have current information regarding the flu, vaccinations, health statistics , etc. • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, use your sleeve.
Staying Healthy • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. This is an easy way for germs to spread. • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
Tips to stay healthy • If sick with flu like symptoms, remain home at least 24 hrs. after the fever is gone (without taking fever reducing medicines) except to get medical treatment or other necessities. • Stay away from others if sick so as not to make them sick. • Tell the Dr.s office about your symptoms before visiting.
Tips to stay healthy • Follow public health advice regarding social distancing measures. • Find healthy ways to deal with stress and anxiety. • Alcohol based hand cleaners are an effective alternative if soap and water are not available. Hands should be in contact with the cleaners for at least 15 seconds.
Where to get information • There are many locations to get information concerning H1N1. Some locations are as follows: • Local health departments (Martin County, St. Lucie County) http://www.stluciecountyhealth.com • State of Florida Department of Health http://www.doh.state.fl.us/ • MYFluSafety.com (http://www.doh.state.fl.us/DEMO/php/FluInfo.htm) • CDC (Centers for Disease Control) http://cdc.gov/h1n1flu/sick.htm