Swine Flu or H1N1 Facts

Misconceptions regarding the current Swine Flu or H1N1 virus continue to circulate and public health authorities, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are closely monitoring the evolving health crisis and how best to disseminate the most accurate information to the public.

Swine Flu - The Wrong Name Circulates in the Media

The 2009 strain of the H1N1 virus, which was first detected in the US in April 2009, was at first erroneously thought by scientist to be a strain of Swine Flu, which circulates in North American pigs.

Further testing revealed the strain to be a mixture of genes from Swine Flu viruses in pigs from Europe and Asia, Bird Flu genes, and human genes.

Pandemic Underway

The World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a world pandemic was underway, in June of 2009. In December 2009, the CDC reported that cases in the United States are declining; however, H1N1 Flu deaths have increased.

How the H1N1 Flu Virus Spreads

The virus, sometimes referred to as Swine Flu, is spread the same way that the season flu virus spreads. Flu viruses spread primarily from person-to-person through coughing and sneezing. It is also possible to catch the flu by touching surfaces such as a light switch, door knob, telephone or shopping cart handle that have flu viruses on them, and then touching your own mouth nose or eyes.

Signs and symptoms of H1N1 also know as Swine Flu

1. Fever
2. Cough
3. Sore throat
4. Runny or stuffy nose
5. Body aches
6. Headache
7. Chills and fatigue
8. Vomiting and diarrhea
9. Difficulty breathing

Prevention

The the CDC says the best way to protect yourself and your children from catching the H1N1 or Swine Flu virus is by getting a flu vaccine. You and your children should get both a seasonal flu vaccine and the 2009 H1N1 Flu vaccine. Flu immunization becomes effective approximately two weeks after receiving the vaccination. The seasonal flu vaccine has been widely available since mid-September and the 2009 H1N1 vaccine supply is increasing. The H1N1 or Swine Flu vaccine administration is closely monitored from region to region in the U.S. Recommendations are made by a panel of medical experts at the CDC to determine who gets the vaccine first in various communities. As supplies increase, and high risk groups have received the vaccine, local health department officials are making the vaccine available to the rest of the general population. Continuous updates regarding availability of the vaccine in your area can be found at the CDC’s website: http://www.cdc.gov.

Easy steps can protect you from catching both the seasonal and H1N1 flu viruses.

1. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue immediately in the trash after you use it.
2. Wash your hands often with soap and water, when available, and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when you are unable to wash your hands.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
4. Avoid contact with people who are ill.
5. If you become sick, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone.

For more information about the H1N1 Flu virus, contact:

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• State and local departments of public health
• Your healthcare provider
• For emergencies, seek medical attention immediately