H1N1 Flu Information
There are several different types of flu virus, which can be generally categorized as the H1N1 flu (commonly called the "swine flu") and the seasonal flu. This page will cover information about the H1N1 “swine flu” only.
To learn more about the seasonal flu, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions about H1N1 Influenza A Virus
You’ve probably heard a lot in the news about the H1N1 influenza A virus and the new vaccine being distributed. You might be wondering what the H1N1 flu is, what you can do to protect yourself and if you should be vaccinated. This information will help you make an informed decision.
How is the H1N1 flu transmitted?
Do I need the H1N1 vaccine?
How can I prevent the spread of H1N1 flu?
Is it H1N1 or something else?
Should I call my doctor?
How is the H1N1 Flu Transmitted?
You can not get swine flu from eating pork products. The virus is transmitted person-to-person and spreads like the seasonal flu does, primarily through coughing, sneezing or by touching objects handled by people who are infected.
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Do I need the H1N1 Vaccine?
The most frequent questions we receive are about the H1N1 flu shot. The swine flu vaccine was not included in the seasonal flu shots many people received last year. Those who need the vaccine include pregnant women, children and young people under the age of 25. Adults with chronic conditions, especially those with heart or respiratory problems, such as asthma, also need the H1N1 flu shot. People who care for young children should also consider getting an H1N1 flu shot. To view all higher risk categories as determined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention click here.
The H1N1 vaccine may be available at your doctor’s office or at a local community location.
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How Can I Prevent the Spread of H1N1 Flu?
Many people are wondering how to avoid getting the H1N1 flu and how to prevent spreading it to others. The flu is spread from person to person. The virus can be transmitted through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes and you breathe this air in. You can also become infected by touching something with the flu virus on it and then touching your face or nose. The virus can live on surfaces for up to 2 hours or more. So, prevention is key!
Wash you hands frequently using soap and water. Anti-bacterial hand gel or wipes can help if soap and water are not available. Avoid contact with those who are sick and try to avoid touching your face after touching surfaces frequently used in common public locations, such as doorknobs or tabletops. Additionally, try to stay well by getting plenty of rest, eating healthy and drinking lots of fluids. If you are sick, frequent hand-washing also is important. Coughing and sneezing into your shoulder or arm is better than using your hand because the flu virus does not survive well on fabric.
See more cold and flu prevention tips...
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Is it H1N1 or Something Else?
Symptoms of the H1N1 flu are similar to the regular, seasonal, flu and can include fever with body aches, coughing, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches and fatigue. Unlike the regular seasonal flu, people with H1N1 sometimes have nausea and vomiting and do not always have a fever. For most people the H1NI flu is proving to be a mild illness, although symptoms do seem to continue for a number of weeks.
If you develop flu-like symptoms, you should limit interactions with other people, except to seek medical care. Call your health plan’s nurse advice line (located on your health plan identification card) for instructions. Your symptoms may not be due to the H1N1 flu, but could be from seasonal flu, a cold or other causes. Over-the-counter medications may suppress your fever or its symptoms, but if you have the H1N1 flu or seasonal flu you will remain contagious until your fever is gone for a full 24 hours without medication. Many employers are developing specific policies for employees who may have swine flu. Contact your HR department to learn your company’s guidance.
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Should I Call My Doctor?
It’s important to know when to call your doctor. Seek immediate medical attention are if you or the patient have difficulty breathing, have blue lips, have a fever with a stiff neck or experience a severe headache or dehydration. In addition, those with flu symptoms or pneumonia who are at higher risk for H1N1 complications (children, pregnant women and older adults with severe chronic illness) are more likely to be candidates for anti-viral therapy and should call their doctors as soon as possible. If you would like advice by phone, consider calling the nurse advice line on your health plan card; this may help prevent an unnecessary trip to your doctor’s office.
Doctors differ on whether they ever prescribe anti-viral drugs. Anti-viral drugs might shorten your illness by a day or two, but they do not prevent the flu once you are getting sick. In addition, use of anti-viral medications carries the risk of flu strains developing resistance to any treatment! If you get sick, stay home, get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids.
Should you feel ill enough to need a doctor when your doctor’s office is closed, try to go to an urgent care center. To find a list of centers that contract with Hill Physicians, click here. By using an urgent care center you will not have to wait hours in the emergency room for treatment and will not have to pay the emergency department co-pay.
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The H1N1 Flu Vaccine
The vaccine is available as a shot or a nasal spray, although the spray is recommended only for people in good health who are not pregnant. Governmental and public health agencies have developed guidelines on who should be vaccinated first because the swine flu may pose a greater risk to them. If you meet the criteria below, contact your doctor’s office or local health department to inquire about vaccination.
The Initial H1N1 Vaccination Target Groups Are:
- Pregnant women
- People who live with or provide care for infants younger than 6 months (e.g., parents, siblings, and day care providers)
- Health care and emergency medical services personnel
- People 6 months through 24 years of age
- People 25 years through 64 years of age who have certain medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications (e.g., asthma or other chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, hepatic, hematological, neurologic, neuromuscular, or metabolic disorders such as diabetes, or persons with immunosuppression disorders from medications or conditions such as HIV)
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Advice on How to Stay Healthy this Flu Season
This additional information can help you stay well and provide additional information on the seasonal flu:
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