What is H1N1. Why is it called the "Swine Flu" ?

 

Influenza A (H1N1) also Known as "Swine Flu" is a new Influenza virus not seen before.

Due to the initial similarities to the Influenza virus found in pigs people started using the name Swine Flu but its not the same strain as found in Pigs. (you cannot get swine flu from eating pork). Place of origin of H1N1 is unknown.

 

Can you give me the bottom line ? I need to go.

 

• Symptoms are similar to Seasonal flu.
• Currently Vaccines are not available for H1N1. They are expected to be available in a limited quantity in the fall.
• Health officials have downgraded the initial alarm about H1N1.
• But taking a little more precaution than you normally do for seasonal flu is safe.
• When you need information go to some reliable websites like CDC, Flu.gov, who etc. See links in our Home page

 

What are the symptoms ?

 

The symptoms are the same as seasonal flu.

Fever 100 degrees Fahrenheit or more

Cough

Sore throat

Runny nose.

Body ache (general muscle ache, joint ache or headache)

Extreme tiredness.

Sometimes vomit and diarrhea

 

How does it spread ?

 

Spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes and other people are exposed to the infected droplets and when people get the virus on their hands and rub their eyes or nose.

 

If its the same as Seasonal Flu why all this talk and panic ?

 

Some form or the other of seasonal flu comes every year and most people have immunity to the Seasonal flu virus. H1N1 is a new virus so this could cause more infections than the regular flu.

 

What is the worldwide severity of this desease?

 

WHO considers this to be Pandemic and current severity to be "Moderate" (meaning most people recover, most health care systems in the world are able to cope with the number of people seeking care)

 

Who are vulnerable ?

 

Young people from ages 10 – 45 are most vulnerable.

 

Treatment and precautions ?

 

Plenty of rest

Plenty of liquids (caffeine free)

Pain relievers to reduce the fever

Most cases will last 3-5 days.

(Infected persons should avoid contacts with other people as much as you can. Infected person should cover their mouth when coughing)

You can also assemble a Flu Safety Kit.

 

Prevention

 

Washing your hands often with soap and water (or a hand sanitizer)

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Avoid close contacts with infected people.

Get vaccinated against the Seasonal Flu. When available get vaccinated against H1N1 virus.

Get prepared with a Swine Flu Emergency Kit. See list at Home page

If Infected: Take basic precautions. Cover your mouth when coughing. Stay away from School or work.

 

What about travel ?

 

WHO is not recommending travel restrictions. According to WHO: "limiting travel..would have very little effect on stopping the virus from spreading"