Influenza (Flu) Prevention in Arizona

What is 2009 H1N1 (swine flu)?
2009 H1N1 (referred to as "swine flu" early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a pandemic of 2009 H1N1 flu was underway.

Why is 2009 H1N1 virus sometimes called "swine flu"?
This virus was originally referred to as "swine flu" because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs (swine) in North America. But further study has shown that this new virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs. It has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia and bird (avian) genes and human genes. Scientists call this a "quadruple reassortant" virus.

How do I know if I have the flu?
Novel H1N1 is very similar to seasonal flu. There is one main exception: H1N1 can cause vomiting and diarrhea. It is important to distinguish between any flu, which can be fatal, and a cold.

Is it a Cold or the Flu?
Symptoms	Common Cold	Seasonal & H1N1 Influenza
Fever	Rare	High (102-104°F) lasts for 3-4 days
Headache	Rare	Prominent
General Aches and Pains	Slight	Usual often severe
Fatigue, Weakness	Quite mild	Can last up to 2-3 Weeks
Extreme Exhaustion	Never	Early and prominent
Stuffy Nose	Common	Sometimes
Sneezing	Usual	Sometimes
Sore Throat	Common	Usual
Chest Discomfort	Mild	Common, can be severe
Cough	Moderate hacking cough	Can be severe dry cough
Vomiting or Diarrhea	Never	More common with Novel Flu less so with Seasonal Flu
Complications	Sinus and ear pressure	Pneumonia can be life threatening
Treatment	None	Anti-viral medication
Prevention	None	Vaccine expected Winter 2009

Complications of Flu
Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.

How Flu Spreads
Flu viruses spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

When you have the Flu…

Stay home from work or school, and rest
Drink plenty of non-caffeinated fluids
Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help with fever and body aches
Wash your hands often to protect other people
Avoid getting close to other people, especially when coughing or sneezing
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing

When should someone with influenza see a doctor?

For serious problems, including:

When high fever (> 101° F.) lasts more than 3-4 days
When you are so sick that you or your family cannot take care of you at home
Extreme dizziness
An adult not able to take fluids for 24 hours
An infant who is not taking fluids and is starting to get
dehydrated (not wetting diapers)

Not everyone with influenza needs to see a doctor. Most people get better just with rest and fluids

What can the doctor do to help?

May start antiviral medicine for people at high risk for complications from influenza (such as heart or lung problems or a weakened immune system, people > 65 years old, or infants)
Decide if you need additional medicines
Decide if you need IV fluids or hospitalization

When should someone go to an emergency department?

Having trouble breathing
Being confused or incoherent
Having a seizure

For these problems, take the ill person immediately to an emergency department, or call 911.