Information From Your Health Care Provider

INFLUENZA, H1N1

(Swine Flu)

Basic information

description

H1N1 influenza (sometimes referred to as swine ﬂu) is a respiratory infection caused by a virus. The first cases appeared in 2009. H1N1 influenza can affect any age, but occurs more often in people under age 25. People over age 64 are less often affected.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Fever, cough, and sore throat.
Runny or stuffy nose.
Body aches and headache.
Chills and fatigue.
Diarrhea and vomiting (sometimes).

causes

A virus: influenza A (novel H1N1). Virus germs are spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes and a nearby person breathes in the germs. Infection can also be spread by touching something (such as a surface or object) with germs on it and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. Infected people shed virus germs and may infect others from 1 to 2 days before symptoms appear and up to 7 to 10 days after becoming ill.

risk increases with

Exposure to an infected person.
Ages 5 to 25.
People at risk for serious flu complications (age 65 and older, children under age 5, pregnant women, and people with certain chronic medical conditions).

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Get an influenza vaccine that protects against H1N1.
Wash hands often with soap and water. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you are sick with ﬂu-like illness, keep away from others as much as possible. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, throw tissue in the trash, and then wash your hands. If no tissue is available, cough into your elbow. Stay home until well.
Virus germs may survive for 2 to 8 hours on objects and surfaces. They can be killed by cleaning with chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, or detergents.
A facemask may help an infected person or their caregiver from spreading germs to others.

expected outcomes

Most people who become ill with this virus recover completely in about 7 days without medical treatment.

possible complications

Severe complications will vary. They may affect the lungs, heart, brain, muscles, and other body systems.
Underlying chronic medical conditions may worsen.

diagnosis & treatment

general measures

Most people with mild symptoms will treat the illness with home care. Treatment involves getting extra rest and maintaining fluid intake. Drugs are seldom needed. Follow suggestions in Preventive Measures to limit spreading germs. As a precaution, you may want to contact your (or your child's) health care provider to be sure no additional treatment is needed.
If the symptoms are more severe or you or your child is at risk for complications, consult your health care provider. A physical exam may be done and questions asked about symptoms and exposure to infected persons. Nasal and throat swabs may be taken for a lab test.
Medical treatment may include drug therapy and supportive care. Hospital care may be needed for certain persons with more severe symptoms.
To learn more: CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention); (800) 232-4636; website: www.cdc.gov.

medications

Antiviral drugs (pills, liquid, inhaled powder, or injected) may be prescribed or given in a hospital. They are used for treatment and prevention.
Drugs for fever, coughing, or specific symptoms may be recommended by your health care provider.

activity

Get extra rest while symptoms are present. Resume normal activities gradually after recovery.
It is recommended that flu-infected persons stay home until 24 hours after the fever and cough are gone.

diet

Drink plenty of fluids while ill.
Eating pork will not give anyone the infection.

notify our office if

You or a family member has symptoms of H1N1 flu.
Symptoms worsen, don't improve, or recur.
Seek emergency care for breathing difficulties, chest pain, sudden dizziness, confusion, severe vomiting, high fever, or if other serious symptoms develop.