What is 2009 H1N1?

2009 H1N1 is a new influenza virus, known early on as "swine flu." It is a type of H1N1 influenza A virus (one of the common types of seasonal flu that has been around for years), but is unique in that it contains genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs from Europe and Asia, avian (bird) genes and human genes.

How is 2009 H1N1 different from seasonal flu?

2009 H1N1 appears to be spread in the same way as seasonal flu (by respiratory droplets), but may cause more severe illness in people younger than 25 years of age. Pregnant women (particularly those in the third trimester) and infants are at very high risk for flu-related complications. People age 65 and older appear much less likely to become ill with 2009 H1N1.

Is this flu virus contagious?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has determined that 2009 H1N1 is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it is not known how easily the virus spreads between people.

How does 2009 H1N1 spread?

Spread of 2009 H1N1 is thought to occur in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through the coughing or sneezing of people with the flu. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something - such as a surface or object - with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

What are the symptoms of this flu?

The symptoms of this illness, typical of seasonal flu, include:

• Fever, chills
• Sore throat, stuffy nose and cough
• Headache, body aches and fatigue
• Diarrhea and vomiting are common

Like seasonal flu, 2009 H1N1 may cause a worsening of chronic medical conditions and cases of secondary bacterial pneumonia.

How long can an infected person spread the virus to others?

People infected with seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 may be able to infect others from 1 day before getting sick to 5 to 7 days after. This can be longer in some people, especially children and people with weakened immune systems and in people infected with 2009 H1N1.

How severe is illness associated from this flu?

llness with 2009 H1N1 virus has ranged from mild to severe. While most people who have been sick have recovered without needing medical treatment, hospitalizations and deaths from infection with this virus have occurred.

In seasonal flu, certain people are at "high risk" of serious complications. This includes people 65 years and older, children younger than five years old, pregnant women, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions. About 70 percent of people who have been hospitalized with 2009 H1N1 have had one or more medical conditions previously recognized as placing people at "high risk" of serious seasonal flu-related complications. This includes pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease, asthma and kidney disease. One thing that appears to distinguish 2009 H1N1 from seasonal flu is that adults older than 64 do not yet appear to be at increased risk of 2009 H1N1-related complications. CDC lab studies show that no children and very few adults younger than age 60 have existing immunity to 2009 H1N1.

How can I protect myself and others?

• Get vaccinated for seasonal flu.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• If you think you are ill with the flu, stay at home. Avoid close contact with others, as much as possible.
• Seek medical care if you are severely ill (such as having trouble breathing).
• When you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or use your sleeve (if you do not have a tissue) and then throw the tissue in a trash can.
• After you cough or sneeze, wash your hands with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand gel or foam.

What is the best way to wash my hands to avoid getting the flu?

To help prevent the spread of germs, wash your hands with soap and warm water for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.

Is there a vaccine for 2009 H1N1? What about the seasonal flu?

A vaccine for seasonal flu is available. You can get the vaccine from your family doctor or go to one of the many flu clinics held in drugstores, grocery stores and other locations.

The vaccine for 2009 H1N1 is expected to be distributed to health departments in mid- to late October. The CDC currently recommends that the 2009 H1N1 vaccine be made available first to people in five target risk groups (not in prioritized order):

• Pregnant women
• Persons who live with or provide care for infants less than six months old (eg., parents, siblings and day care providers)
• Health care and emergency medical services personnel
• People ages 6 months to 24 years
• People ages 25-64 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications

This information is provided by Clarian Health and was adapted from the CDC's "2009 H1N1 (Swine Flu) and You." For more information on the H1N1 virus, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Web site.