Q: What is the 2009 H1N1 Flu?
A: The 2009 H1N1 Flu is a novel (previously unseen) influenza A virus. It has also been referred to as “swine flu.” This new virus was discovered in Mexico in April 2009 and has since spread to the US and around the world.
Q: Can I get this new flu from eating ham or other pork products? What about fruits, vegetables, or other foods imported from affected areas?
A: No. This flu is contracted by coming in contact with another person who has the virus or with an infected live animal. Much like the seasonal flu, this flu spreads through droplets, such as in a sneeze or cough. This is NOT a food-borne illness. Properly handled and prepared pork products and other food items will not cause a person to contract this flu. Although the H1N1 virus is not a food-borne illness, other illnesses (such as salmonella, etc.) are, so it is always recommended that meats be cooked thoroughly and that you wash fruits and vegetables before preparing them to eat.
Q: What are the symptoms of the H1N1 flu, and what do I do if I think I have it?
A: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided the following guidelines for determining if you may be at risk for this new flu virus:
If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms within a week of having either traveled to an area where swine flu has been identified or being in contact with someone who has traveled to one of those areas, you should stay home and call your doctor about your symptoms. Flu-like symptoms include a fever of 100°F (37.8°C) or higher accompanied by a cough or sore throat.
If you are feeling mildly ill with flu-like symptoms, you are encouraged to stay home and recover. If any of the following symptoms occur, seek medical treatment:
- For Children:
- Fast breathing or difficulty breathing
- Bluish skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve but return with fever and worse cough
- Fever with a rash
- For Adults:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
Q: How serious is this flu?
A: The main cause of concern at this point has been the fact that this is a new virus which has not previously been discovered, and it can be spread from person to person. Because this virus has not been seen before in humans, no one is immune to it.
The fact is that the regular seasonal flu causes an average of 36,000 deaths every year in the United States. Since January, more than 18,000 people have died from seasonal flu or related complications, while a relatively small number of deaths have been reported in the US from this new flu virus. That is not to say that the public should not be alert and proactive in preventing spread of this or any other contagious illness.
Q: How can I protect myself and my loved ones from getting the flu?
A: Basic hygiene and common sense go a long way in preventing transmission of the flu. Here are some things we can all do to protect ourselves and our loved ones.
Wash your hands often, especially after coughing, sneezing, and wiping or blowing the nose.
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Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
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Disinfect commonly-handled items such as phones, remote controls, door knobs, copier or fax keypads, etc. with Lysol or another disinfectant labeled as effective in killing the flu virus and other germs.
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Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
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Use paper tissues when wiping or blowing your nose; throw tissues away after use.
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Stay away from crowded living and sleeping spaces, if possible.
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Stay home and avoid contact with other people to protect them from catching your illness.
Q: Are there medications available to treat the H1N1 flu?
A: Yes. CDC recommends the use of Tamiflu or Relenza for the treatment of those infected with the H1N1 flu virus and for prevention of infection in household contacts of confirmed or probable cases in high risk groups.
Q: Why aren’t these anti-viral medications being given out as a precautionary measure?
A: There is an ample supply of antiviral medications available to treat those who become infected with the flu. Timing of use for treatment or prevention is important and needs to be directed by your physician. The antiviral drugs, as preventive treatments, are only effective while being taken. Overuse of medication has the potential to cause resistance to the medication, making it less effective in combating illness. Medications have a limited shelf life. For all these reasons, anti-viral medications are only being prescribed to treat infected persons and those requiring preventive treatment.
Q: Where can I get more information?
A: Below are a variety of informational web sites which can provide further information on the 2009 H1N1 Flu:
Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
http://www.cdc.gov and http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): http://www.hhs.gov
Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH): http://www.dhmh.state.md.us
Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA): http://www.mema.state.md.us
World Health Organization (WHO):
http://www.who.int
Further flu information is also available at http://www.pandemicflu.gov
CDC 24/7 Information Hotline:
1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636)
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