What Are the Symptoms?

H1N1 flu has the same symptoms as regular seasonal flu, including fever, cough, sore throat, headache, chills, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue. The disease may make existing health conditions worse. Severe illness such as pneumonia, respiratory failure, and death has been reported.

When Should I See My Physician?

Persons who are pregnant or have a health condition such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma or emphysema should check with a healthcare provider about any special care they may need.

For children, emergency warning signs include fast or difficult breathing, bluish skin color, lack of fluids, lethargy, being extremely irritable to the point of not wanting to be held, flu-like symptoms that improve then return and fever with a rash.

For adults, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion or severe vomiting are warning signs.

Can H1N1 Flu be Treated?

Persons who are not at higher risk for complications or do not have severe influenza requiring hospitalization generally do not require medication for treatment but should follow the advice of their physician. Persons with higher risk for severe flu complications, or those with severe flu illness who require hospitalization may benefit from antiviral medication.

How Does H1N1 Flu Spread?

H1N1 flu is thought to be spread the same way that regular seasonal flu is spread. Viruses are mainly spread from person to person through the cough or sneeze of people with the flu. Sometimes people become infected by touching something - such as a surface or object - with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
How Long Can A Person with H1N1 Flu Spread It to Others?

People with H1N1 flu could be contagious one day before start of symptoms and up to 7 days or more following the onset of symptoms.

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

Health officials indicate that everyone, except those with contraindications to the vaccine should receive the seasonal flu vaccine. For H1N1, initial efforts to vaccinate will target pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months, healthcare workers and emergency medical services personnel, people ages 6 months to 25 years, and people older than 6 months with a chronic health disorder or compromised immune system. Once the demand for prioritized groups has been met, vaccination efforts may be extended to other groups.

How Can I Avoid Getting Sick?

• Get vaccinated if you are able.
• Take care of yourself. Eat well, get plenty of sleep and exercise, and drink lots of liquids.
• Carefully wash your hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand cleaners often.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Discard tissues after use.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others.