What is H1N1?
H1N1 is a respiratory strain of viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. Pigs most often have infections from other pigs but can get infected from viruses from birds or humans. This can lead to pigs becoming incubators for more virulent strains of flu to which humans can be susceptible to. Humans are not normally at risk of contracting H1N1 virus, but infections can and do happen. While H1N1 virus has been reported to spread human-to-human in the past, this infection did not progress beyond 3 people. The current H1N1 contagion began in late March and early April of 2009 in Mexico and cases have been also been reported in the United States, Canada and other countries across the globe. The current strain can be passed from person-to-person while the ease of contagion has yet to be determined.
Symptoms of H1N1 Virus
The symptoms of H1N1 virus are similar to the symptoms of the common flu. Many people are being tested for H1N1 due to their recent travels to Mexico or exposure to someone who has been to Mexico leading to a more likely exposure to the current H1N1 virus. The symptoms include fever, sore throat, cough, body aches, chills, and fatigue. Some suffers have exhibited vomiting and diarrhea. Severe illnesses including pneumonia and respiratory failure leading to death have been reported. And, as with all flu viruses, H1N1 may worsen underlying chronic medical conditions. People who live in areas where the H1N1 virus has been reported, the Centers for Disease Control is keeping a current list here, may want to contact their health care provider especially if they are concerned about their symptoms. The health care provider will determine if influenza testing or further treatment is needed.
If you do get sick you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading the infection to others.
Children who experience any of the following symptoms should be taken to emergency medical care:
In adults, emergency warning signs include:
Spread of H1N1 Virus
H1N1 appears to be spreading in the same way any other seasonal flu spreads. Flu spreads person-to-person by coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Flu can also spread by touching infected surfaces and then touching your nose, eyes or mouth. Surfaces can stay infected for 2 hours or longer. Infected people can be infectious for 1 day before symptoms appear and 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means people can spread the flu virus before they are even exhibiting any symptoms of the flu and before they even know they are sick.
Prevention of H1N1 Exposure
H1N1 exposure, like any other flu, is minimized with good hygiene techniques and by general wellness care.
The CDC has also released a document intended to provide guidance for people who are unable to avoid people who would be considered contagious with flu and other respiratory viruses. These guidelines suggest use with either a surgical mask or a N95 respirator to protect from airborne virus contamination. Some N95 options would be Moldex N95 Particulate, or 3M N95 Particulate respirators.
What if I get H1N1?
Most of the people who have come down with symptoms of H1N1 in the United States have had very mild symptoms. There are, however, antiviral drugs that are effective against this current strain of H1N1. Both oseltamivir and zanamivir are prescription anti-viral drugs which are effective against the H1N1 virus. They can make your illness milder and help you get better faster.
Sources for More Information
Centers For Disease Control and Prevention H1N1 Home Page
CDC H1N1 Brochure
Government Page on Pandemic Flu Information with Links to Current H1N1 Virus Information
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Please Note: The information contained in this publication is intended for general information purposes only. This publication is not a substitute for review of the applicable government regulations and standards, and should not be construed as legal advice or opinion. Readers with specific questions should refer to the cited regulation or consult with an attorney.
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