H1N1 Swine Flu information

H1N1 Swine Flu

What is novel H1N1 (Swine) Flu?

Novel H1N1 (swine) Influenza is a new influenza virus causing illness in people
Novel H1N1 (swine) flu is a type A influenza virus that has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia and avian genes and human genes – scientists call this a “quadruple reassortant” virus

Is The novel H1N1 (Swine) Flu Virus Contagious?

CDC has determined that the novel H1N1 virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human.
However, at this time, it is not known how easily the virus spreads between people

What are the signs and symptoms of novel H1N1 (Swine) Flu in people?

Similar to the symptoms of regular human flu
Include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue
Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with novel H1N1 (swine) flu
Like seasonal flu, novel H1N1 (swine) flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions

How Does H1N1 (Swine) Flu Spread?

Flu viruses are 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

What Should I Do To Keep From Getting The Flu?

First and most important: wash your hands
Try to stay in good general health
Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food
Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus
Avoid close contact with people who are sick

What Is The Best Technique For Washing My Hands To Avoid Getting The Flu?

Wash your hands in warm water, use soap and lather up for about 10 to 15 seconds
(antibacterial soap isn’t necessary — any soap will do)
Make sure you get in between the fingers and under the nails where uninvited germs like to hang out, rinse and dry well with a clean towel
When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used
If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry

What are some Prevention Practices?

Facilities should ensure the availability of materials for adhering to Respiratory Hygiene/ Cough Etiquette
Hand soap and proper use of personal protective equipment
Conveniently located dispensers of alcohol-based hand sanitizers and facial tissues
Follow the CDC recommend Infection Control Procedures for controlling the H1N1 (swine) flu
Frequently clean hard surfaces that are commonly touched by employees with a neutral detergent followed by a disinfectant solution