SWINE FLU
H1N1 Flu
(Novel Influenza A (H1N1)”Swine Flu”
What is it? H1N1 virus “Swine Flu” is a new virus of swine
origin that first caused illness in Mexico and the United States
in March and April, 2009.
How is it spread? H1N1 flu is spread in the same way that the
regular seasonal influenza viruses are spread, through the coughs
and sneezes of people who are sick with the virus, but it may
also be spread by touching infected objects and then touching
your nose or mouth.
What are the signs and symptoms? H1 N1 flu has a wide range of
flu like symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, body
aches, headache, chills and fatigue. In addition, people may
also experience nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea.
Can it be treated? H1N1 is treated with rest, increase fluids
(water, broth, electrolyte drinks), and anti viral medications,
oseltamivir (trade name Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza), fever-
reducing medications, acetaminophen (Tylenol), and ibuprofen
(Advil, Motrin, Nuprin). DO NOT TAKE acetylsalicylic acid
(ASPIRIN).
How can it be prevented? Maintain respiratory etiquette, cover
mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing. Avoid
touching eyes, nose and mouth with one’s hands. Maintain good
hand hygiene, wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds
or use alcohol-based hand cleaners.
DO NOT SHARE water bottles, place hands in bags of chips,
pretzels, pop corn etc.
Swine Flu Q&A
1.) What is swine flu?
Swine flu is a respiratory disease normally found in pigs and
caused by type A influenza viruses. While outbreaks of this type
of flu are common in pigs, human cases of swine flu do happen. In
the past, reports of human swine flu have been rare approximately
one infection every one to two years in the U.S. From December
2005 through February 2009, only 12 cases of human infection were
documented.
2.) How is it spread?
Humans with direct exposure to pigs are those most commonly
infected with swine flu. Yet, human-to-human spread of swine flu
viruses have been documented, however it's not known how easily
the spread occurs. Just as the common flu is passed along,
swineflu is thought to be spread by coughing, sneezing, or
touching something with the viruses on it. If infected, a person
may be able to infect another person one day before
symptoms develop and up to seven or more days after becoming
sick. Thus, a person is able to pass the flu on before they know
they are sick. Those with swine flu should be considered
potentially contagious as long as they are demonstrating symptoms
and up to seven days longer from the onset
of their illness. Children might be contagious for longer periods
of time.
3.) Can I catch swine flu from eating pork?
No. The CDC says that swine flu viruses are not transmitted by
food. Properly cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160 F
kills all bacteria and viruses.
4.) What are the symptoms of swine flu?
Symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of a regular flu:
fever and chills, sore throat, cough, headache, body aches, and
fatigue. Diarrhea and vomiting can also be present. Without a
specific lab test, it is impossible to know whether you may be
suffering from swine flu or another flu strain.
4.) What precautionary measures should I take?
The same everyday precautions that you take to prevent other
contagious viruses should be used to protect yourself against
swine flu. "The best current advice is for individuals to
practice good hand hygiene. HAND WASHING with soap and water, or
the use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when hand washing is
not possible, is a good preventive measure. Also, AVOID TOUCHING
EYES, NOSE, AND MOUTH. COVER YOUR NOSE and MOUTH WITH A
DISPOSABLE TISSUE WHEN YOU SNEEZE OR
COUGH.
The CDC recommends avoiding contact with sick people and keeping
your own good health in check with ADEQUATE SLEEP, EXERCISE AND A
NUTRITIOUS DIET.
5.) What should you do if you think you are sick with swine
flu?
Contact your health care professional, inform them of your
symptoms, and ask whether you should be tested for swine flu. Be
prepared to give details on how long you've been feeling ill and
about any recent travels.
Your health care provider will determine whether influenza
testing or treatment is needed. If you FEEL SICK, STAY
HOME until you have been diagnosed properly to avoid spreading
any infection.
Watch for these symptoms in children. Seek emergency medical care
if your child experiences any of the following warning signs:
Fever with a rash
Dehydration
Fast breathing
Bluish skin coloration
Slow to wake or sluggish interaction
Flu-like symptoms improve, but then return and cough
worsens
Severe irritability
For adults, emergency medical care is needed if you experience
these warning signs:
Difficulty breathing
Dizziness
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting
Pain/pressure in the chest or stomach
Remember that the symptoms for swine flu are almost identical to
those you might experience with the regular flu. Only your doctor
can give you the correct diagnosis.
6.) Are there medicines effective in treating swine flu in humans?
The swine flu responds to the use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or
zanamivir (Relenza) for those infected. For treatment, these
antiviral drugs work best
if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).
Good Health Habits/Key facts about the Seasonal Flu vaccine
GOOD HEALTH HABITS FOR THE PREVENTION OF THE FLU
A.) Fact Sheet
The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated
each year, but good health habits like covering your cough and
washing your hands often can help prevent respiratory illnesses
like the flu. There also are flu antiviral drugs that can be used
to treat and prevent the flu.
1.) AVOID CLOSE CONTACT.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick,
keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick
too.
2.) STAY HOME WHEN YOU ARE SICK.
Stay home from work, school, and errands when you
are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
3.) COVER YOUR NOSE WHEN YOU SNEEZE AND MOUTH WHEN YOU COUGH.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or
sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
4.) WASH HANDS FREQUENTLY TO THE ABC's.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
5.) AVOID TOUCHING YOUR EYES, NOSE OR MOUTH.
Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is
contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose,
or mouth.
6.) PRACTICE GOOD HEALTH HABITS.
Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress,
drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
B.) Questions:
1.) Can herbal, homeopathic or other folk remedies protect
against the flu?
There is no scientific evidence that any herbal, homeopathic or
other folk remedies have any benefit against influenza. Although,
it is believed the vitamin c with rose hips, zinc, berries, nuts,
beans, green leafty vegetables, fish and chicken strengthen the
immune system.
2.) How long can human influenza viruses remain viable on
inanimate items (such as books and doorknobs)?
Studies have shown that human influenza viruses generally can
survive on surfaces for between 2 and 8 hours.
3.) What kills influenza virus?
Influenza virus is destroyed by heat (167-212F [75-100C]).
C.) Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine:
The single best way to protect against the flu is to get
vaccinated each year.
There are two types of vaccines:
1.) The "flu shot" an inactivated vaccine (containing
killed virus) that is given with a needle, usually in the arm.
The flu shot is approved for use in people older than 6 months,
including healthy people and people with chronic
medical conditions.
2.) The nasal-spray flu vaccine a vaccine made with live,
weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu (sometimes called
LAIV for live attenuate influenza vaccine or FluMist). LAIV
(FluMist) is approved for use in healthy people 2-49 years of age
who are not pregnant.
Each vaccine contains three influenza viruses
1.) A (H3N2) virus
2.) A (H1N1) virus
3.) A B virus. The viruses in the vaccine change each year based
on international surveillance and scientists' estimations about
which types and strains of viruses will circulate in a given year.
About 2 weeks after vaccination, antibodies that provide
protection against influenza virus infection develop in the body.
D.)When to Get Vaccinated:
October or November is the best time to get vaccinated, but you
can still get vaccinated in December and later. Flu season can
begin as early as October and last as late as May.
E.) Who Should Get Vaccinated?
In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting
the flu can get vaccinated. However, it is recommended that
certain people should get vaccinated each year. They are people
who are at high risk of having serious flu complications.
People who should get vaccinated each year are:
1.) People at high risk for complications from the flu,
including:
Children aged 6 months until their 5th birthday,
pregnant women, people 50 years of age and older, people of any
age with certain chronic medical conditions.
G.) Who Should Not Be Vaccinated:
There are some people who should not be vaccinated without first
consulting
a physician.
These include:
1.)People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs.
2.) People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza
vaccination in the past.
3.) People who developed Guillain-Barr syndrome (GBS) within 6
weeks of getting an influenza vaccine previously.
4.) Influenza vaccine is not approved for use in children less
than 6 months of age.
5.) People who have a moderate or severe illness with a fever
should wait to get vaccinated until their symptoms lessen.
H.) Vaccine Effectiveness:
The ability of flu vaccine to protect a person depends on the age
and health status of the person getting the vaccine, and the
similarity or "match" between the virus strains in the vaccine
and those in circulation. Testing has shown that both the flu
shot and the nasal-spray vaccine are effective at preventing the
flu.
I.) Vaccine Side Effects (What to Expect):
Different side effects can be associated with the flu shot and
LAIV.
1.) The flu shot:
The viruses in the flu shot are killed (inactivated), so you
cannot get the flu from a flu shot. Some minor side effects that
could occur:
a.) Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
b.)Fever (low grade)
c.)Aches
If these problems occur, they begin soon after the shot and
usually last 1 to 2 days. Almost all people who receive influenza
vaccine have no serious problems from it. However, on rare
occasions, flu vaccination can cause serious problems, such as
severe allergic reactions. As of July 1, 2005, people who think
that they have been injured by the flu shot can file a claim for
compensation from the National Vaccine Injury Compensation
Program (VICP).
2.) LAIV (FluMist): The viruses in the nasal-spray vaccine are
weakened and do not cause severe symptoms often associated with
influenza illness. (In clinical studies, transmission of vaccine
viruses to close contacts has occurred only rarely.)
a.) In children, side effects from LAIV (FluMist) can include:
1.) runny nose
2.) wheezing
3.) headache
4.)vomiting
5.) muscle aches
6.) fever
b.) In adults, side effects from LAIV (FluMist) can include
1.) runny nose
2.) headache
3.) sore Throat
4.) cough
http://www.nj.gov/health/er/h1n1
http://www.state.nj.us/health/
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu
http://cdc.gov/ounceofprevention/
http://cdc.gov/flu/school/
http://cdc.gov/germstopper/
http://cdc.gov/flu/
http://cdc.gov/cleanhands/
http://cdc.gov/flu/protect/covercough.htm
http://cdc.gov/swineflu/mitigation.htm.