What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1?

Symptoms are similar to those of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and death have been reported with H1N1. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

How serious is H1N1 flu infection?

Like seasonal flu, H1N1 can vary from mild to severe. There have been approximately 600 H1N1 deaths in the United States since April 2009; many of the deceased had chronic or co-existing medical conditions making them more susceptible to a premature death.

How do you catch H1N1?

The most common way is through contact with a person already infected. Human-to-human spread of flu occurs in the same way as seasonal flu; mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. If you are sick – stay home.

Are there medicines to treat swine flu?

Yes. The FDA has approved a vaccine to combat the spread of H1N1 and will be administered in a tiered system.

Who will get the vaccine first?

The following populations will be vaccinated by their primary care physician (Public Clinics will follow) with the first shipment of vaccine into the state of New Hampshire:
a. Pregnant Women
b. Children 6 months to five years with chronic medical conditions
c. Health care workers and first responders with direct patient contact

Followed as soon as possible by:
d. Children 5 through 18 years of age with medical conditions
e. Household contacts of children less than 6 months of age, especially siblings
f. Young adults 19 through 24 years of age with medical conditions (Ethics Committee Minutes, 8/24/08)
g. All healthy children and young adults age 6 months to 24 years of age.
h. Adults 25 – 64 with medical conditions that are complicated by the influenza virus
i. All health care workers and first responders

How long can an infected person spread H1N1 to others?

People with H1N1 should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like H1N1 or seasonal influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
• 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. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you are sick stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

What should I do if I get sick?

Contact your primary care provider for guidance, however, if you are 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 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

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

For more information, visit http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swine/, or call the Cities Health Officer, John Carlson, at 516-6038.