What You Need To Know About H1N1

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What is H1N1?

A different form of the flu has been in the news a lot lately. H1N1 (referred to as "swine flu" early on) is a new influenza (or flu) virus that can cause people to get sick.

How does H1N1 virus spread?

Flu viruses, including H1N1 and seasonal flu, are spread from one person to another when the virus comes in contact with your mouth or nose. This can happen if someone with the flu coughs or sneezes near you. It can also happen if you touch your nose or mouth after touching something (such as a countertop, remote control, or telephone) that has the virus on it.

You cannot get H1N1 by eating pork or pork products.

How do I know if I have H1N1?

You may have H1N1 flu if you have all or some of these symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills or tiredness. Some people may also have vomiting and diarrhea. These symptoms are the same as those for the seasonal flu, so be sure to talk to your doctor if you think you have the flu. People with certain kinds of health conditions- such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease- may have a higher chance of having other problems from the H1N1 flu. The same is true if you are pregnant or have a weak immune system.

If you have these symptoms, it is best to stay home from work or school. You should also stay away from other people, as much as possible. This will help stop the spread of the H1N1 flu virus.

The flu virus can cause other problems- called complications- in some people. This includes people with certain kinds of health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, and weakened immune systems, and women who are pregnant. Talk to your doctor right away if you are pregnant or have one of these conditions and think you have H1N1 flu.

How can I make sure I don't get H1N1 flu?

There are a number of ways you can lower your chances of getting H1N1 flu.

• 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. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand santizier.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

You can also talk to your doctor about getting the H1N1 flu vaccine. The H1N1 flu vaccine is not the same as the "seasonal flu" vaccine you are used to hearing about this time each year. Getting the seasonal flu vaccine will not protect you from getting the H1N1 flu.