H1N1 Flu and You

What is 2009 H1N1 (Swine Flu)?
2009 H1N1 is a new influenza virus causing illness in people.  It is spread from person to person.  This virus was originally referred to as “swine flu” because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus was very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs (swine) in North American pigs. 

How does this virus spread?

The 2009 H1N1 is spread from person-to-person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something-such as a surface or object with flu virus on it and then touching their mouth or nose. 

What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in people?

The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.  A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus have also reported diarrhea and vomiting.

How severe is illness associated with 2009 H1N1 flu virus?

Illness with the new H1N1 virus has ranged from mild to severe.  Most people who have been sick have recovered without needing medical treatment, hospitalizations and deaths from infection with this virus have occurred. 

About 70 percent of people who have been hospitalized with this 2009 H1N1 virus 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 very apparent difference from seasonal influenza is that adults older than 64 years do not yet appear to be at increased risk of 2009 H1N1-related complications thus far.  CDC laboratory studies have shown that no children and very few adults younger than 60 years old may have antibodies against this virus. 

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

People infected with seasonal and 2009 H1N1 flu 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 with the new H1N1 virus.