Novel H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) and You
Novel H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) and You
On this Page
- Novel H1N1 Flu
- Novel H1N1 Flu in Humans
- Exposures Not Thought to Spread Novel H1N1 Flu
- Prevention & Treatment
- Response & Investigation
Novel H1N1 Flu
What is novel H1N1 (swine flu)?
Novel 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. Other countries,
including Mexico and Canada, have reported people sick with this new
virus. This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much
the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.
Why is novel H1N1 virus sometimes called “swine flu�
This virus was originally referred to as “swine fluâ€
because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new
virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in
pigs 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 avian genes and human genes. Scientists call this a
"quadruple reassortant" virus.
Novel H1N1 Flu in Humans
Are there human infections with novel H1N1 virus in the U.S.?
Yes. Cases of human infection with novel H1N1 influenza virus were
first confirmed in the U.S. in Southern California and near Guadalupe
County, Texas. The outbreak intensified rapidly from that time and more
and more states have been reporting cases of illness from this virus.
An updated case count of confirmed novel H1N1 flu infections in the
United States is kept at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/update.htm. CDC and local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation.
Is novel H1N1 virus contagious?
CDC has determined that 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 this virus in people?
The symptoms of novel H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the
symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny
or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant
number of people who have been infected with this virus also have
reported diarrhea and vomiting. Also, like seasonal flu, severe
illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with
this virus.
How severe is illness associated with novel H1N1 flu virus?
It’s not known at this time how severe novel H1N1 flu virus will
be in the general population. In seasonal flu, there are certain people
that are at higher risk of serious flu-related complications.This includes people 65 years and older, children younger than five
years old, pregnant women, and people of any age with certain chronic
medical conditions. Early indications are that pregnancy and other
previously recognized medical conditions that increase the risk of
influenza-related complications, like asthma and diabetes, also appear
to be associated with increased risk of complications from novel H1N1
virus infection as well.
One thing that appears to be different from seasonal influenza is that adults older than 64 years do not yet appear to be at increased risk of novel H1N1-related complications thus far in the outbreak. CDC is conducting laboratory studies to see if certain people might have natural immunity to this virus, depending on their age. Early reports indicate that no children and few adults younger than 60 years old have existing antibody to novel H1N1 flu virus; however, about one-third of adults older than 60 may have antibodies against this virus. It is unknown how much, if any, protection may be afforded against novel H1N1 flu by any existing antibody.
How does novel H1N1 flu compare to seasonal flu in terms of its severity and infection rates?
CDC is still learning about the severity of novel H1N1 flu virus. At
this time, there is not enough information to predict how severe novel
H1N1 flu outbreak will be in terms of illness and death or how it will
compare with seasonal influenza.
With seasonal flu, we know that seasons vary in terms of timing, duration and severity. Seasonal influenza can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Each year, in the United States, on average 36,000 people die from flu-related complications and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related causes. Of those hospitalized, 20,000 are children younger than 5 years old. Over 90% of deaths and about 60 percent of hospitalization occur in people older than 65.
So far, with novel H1N1 flu, the largest number of novel H1N1 flu confirmed and probable cases have occurred in people between the ages of 5 and 24-years-old. At this time, there are few cases and no deaths reported in people older than 64 years old, which is unusual when compared with seasonal flu. However, pregnancy and other previously recognized high risk medical conditions from seasonal influenza appear to be associated with increased risk of complications from this novel H1N1.
How does novel H1N1 virus spread?
Spread of
novel H1N1 virus is thought to be happening in the same way that
seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to
person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes
people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it
and then touching their mouth or nose.
How long can an infected person spread this virus to others?
At the current time, CDC believes that this virus has the same
properties in terms of spread as seasonal flu viruses. With seasonal
flu, studies have shown that people may be contagious from one day
before they develop symptoms to up to 7 days after they get sick.
Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious
for longer periods. CDC is studying the virus and its capabilities to
try to learn more and will provide more information as it becomes
available.
Exposures Not Thought to Spread Novel H1N1 Flu
Can I get infected with novel H1N1 virus from eating or preparing pork?
No. Novel H1N1 viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get infected
with novel HIN1 virus from eating pork or pork products. Eating
properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.
Is there a risk from drinking water?
Tap water that has been treated by conventional disinfection processes
does not likely pose a risk for transmission of influenza viruses.
Current drinking water treatment regulations provide a high degree of
protection from viruses. No research has been completed on the
susceptibility of novel H1N1 flu virus to conventional drinking water
treatment processes. However, recent studies have demonstrated that
free chlorine levels typically used in drinking water treatment are
adequate to inactivate highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza. It is
likely that other influenza viruses such as novel H1N1 would also be
similarly inactivated by chlorination. To date, there have been no
documented human cases of influenza caused by exposure to
influenza-contaminated drinking water.
Can
novel H1N1 flu virus be spread through water in swimming pools, spas,
water parks, interactive fountains, and other treated recreational
water venues?
Influenza viruses infect the human upper
respiratory tract. There has never been a documented case of influenza
virus infection associated with water exposure. Recreational water that
has been treated at CDC recommended disinfectant levels does not likely
pose a risk for transmission of influenza viruses. No research has been
completed on the susceptibility of novel H1N1 influenza virus to
chlorine and other disinfectants used in swimming pools, spas, water
parks, interactive fountains, and other treated recreational venues.
However, recent studies have demonstrated that free chlorine levels
recommended by CDC (1–3 parts per million [ppm or mg/L] for pools
and 2–5 ppm for spas) are adequate to disinfect avian influenza A
(H5N1) virus. It is likely that other influenza viruses such as novel
H1N1 virus would also be similarly disinfected by chlorine.
Can novel H1N1 influenza virus be spread at recreational water venues outside of the water?
Yes, recreational water venues are no different than any other group
setting. The spread of this novel H1N1 flu is thought to be happening
in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. 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.
Prevention & Treatment
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against novel H1N1
virus. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of
germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza.
Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. 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.
- Stay home if you are sick for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.
Other important actions that you can take are:
- Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
- Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so; a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand rubs, tissues and other related items might could be useful and help avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious.
What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?
If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as
possible. If you are sick, stay home for 7 days after your symptoms
begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is
longer. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or
sneezing. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Then, clean your
hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.
If I have a family member at home who is sick with novel H1N1 flu, should I go to work?
Employees who are well but who have an ill family member at home with
novel H1N1 flu can go to work as usual. These employees should monitor
their health every day, and take everyday precautions including washing
their hands often with soap and water, especially after they cough or
sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. If they become
ill, they should notify their supervisor and stay home. Employees who
have an underlying medical condition or who are pregnant should call
their health care provider for advice, because they might need to
receive influenza antiviral drugs to prevent illness. For more
information please see General Business and Workplace Guidance for the Prevention of Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Flu in Workers.
What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with
soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. CDC recommends
that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you
wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available,
alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You
can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub
your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work;
the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.
What should I do if I get sick?
If you live in
areas where people have been identified with novel H1N1 flu and become
ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny or
stuffy nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you should
stay home and avoid contact with other people. Staying at home means
that you should not leave your home except to seek medical care. This
means avoiding normal activities, including work, school, travel,
shopping, social events, and public gatherings
If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed
If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish or gray skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Are there medicines to treat novel H1N1 infection?
Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the
treatment and/or prevention of infection with novel H1N1 flu virus.
Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaled
powder) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from
reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make
your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also
prevent serious flu complications. During the current outbreak, the
priority use for influenza antiviral drugs during is to treat severe
influenza illness.
What is CDC’s recommendation regarding "swine flu parties"?
"Swine flu parties" are gatherings during which people have close
contact with a person who has novel H1N1 flu in order to become
infected with the virus. The intent of these parties is to become
infected with what for many people has been a mild disease, in the hope
of having natural immunity to the novel H1N1 flu virus that might
circulate later and cause more severe disease.
CDC does not recommend "swine flu parties" as a way to protect against novel H1N1 flu in the future. While the disease seen in the current novel H1N1 flu outbreak has been mild for many people, it has been severe and even fatal for others. There is no way to predict with certainty what the outcome will be for an individual or, equally important, for others to whom the intentionally infected person may spread the virus.
CDC recommends that people with novel H1N1 flu avoid contact with others as much as possible. They should stay home from work or school for 7 days after the onset of illness or until at least 24 hours after symptoms have resolved, whichever is longer.
Contamination & Cleaning
How long can influenza virus remain viable on objects (such as books and doorknobs)?
Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental
surfaces and can infect a person for up to 2-8 hours after being
deposited on the surface.
What kills influenza virus?
Influenza virus is destroyed by heat (167-212°F [75-100°C]). In
addition, several chemical germicides, including chlorine, hydrogen
peroxide, detergents (soap), iodophors (iodine-based antiseptics), and
alcohols are effective against human influenza viruses if used in
proper concentration for a sufficient length of time. For example,
wipes or gels with alcohol in them can be used to clean hands. The gels
should be rubbed into hands until they are dry.
What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is
contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or
mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move
through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory
droplets from another person on a surface like a desk, for example, and
then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.
How should waste disposal be handled to prevent the spread of influenza virus?
To prevent the spread of influenza virus, it is recommended that
tissues and other disposable items used by an infected person be thrown
in the trash. Additionally, persons should wash their hands with soap
and water after touching used tissues and similar waste.
What household cleaning should be done to prevent the spread of influenza virus?
To prevent the spread of influenza virus it is important to keep
surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, kitchen
counters and toys for children) clean by wiping them down with a
household disinfectant according to directions on the product label.
How should linens, eating utensils and dishes of persons infected with influenza virus be handled?
Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick do
not need to be cleaned separately, but importantly these items should
not be shared without washing thoroughly first.
Linens (such as bed sheets and towels) should be washed by using
household laundry soap and tumbled dry on a hot setting. Individuals
should avoid “hugging†laundry prior to washing it to
prevent contaminating themselves. Individuals should wash their hands
with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub immediately after
handling dirty laundry.
Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap.
Response & Investigation
What is CDC doing in response to the outbreak?
The agency’s goals are to reduce transmission and illness
severity, and provide information to help health care providers, public
health officials and the public address the challenges posed by the new
virus. CDC is working with state and local health departments to
enhance surveillance in the United States and to collect and analyze
data to assess the impact of the virus and determine the groups at
increased risk of complications. In addition, CDC continues to issue
new and updated interim guidance for clinicians, public health professionals and the public for the prevention and treatment of this new virus.
To expand the national and international laboratory capacity for
detecting novel H1N1 influenza, CDC has developed and distributed new
influenza diagnostic kits and reagents to more than 350 laboratories,
including laboratories in 131 countries. CDC’s Division of the
Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) continues to send antiviral drugs,
personal protective equipment, and respiratory protection devices to
all 50 states and U.S. territories to help them respond to the outbreak.
The U.S. Government also is aggressively taking early steps in the
process to manufacture a novel H1N1 influenza vaccine, working closely
with manufacturing. CDC has isolated the new H1N1 virus, made a
candidate vaccine virus that can be used to create vaccine, and has
provided this virus to industry so they can begin scaling up for
production of a vaccine, if necessary.
What epidemiological investigations are taking place in response to the recent outbreak?
CDC works very closely with state and local officials in areas where
human cases of new H1N1 flu infections have been identified. CDC has
deployed staff to several states to assist with the investigation of
the impact of the novel H1N1 influenza, including the assessment of the
severity of illness, how easily the virus spreads, and the amount of
time people may be infectious. In states where EpiAid teams have been
deployed, many epidemiological activities are taking place or planned
including:
- Active surveillance in the counties where infections in humans have been identified;
- Studies of health care workers who were exposed to patients infected with the virus to see if they became infected;
- Studies of households and other contacts of people who were confirmed to have been infected to see if they became infected; and
- Study to see how long a person with the virus infection sheds the virus.
Who is in charge of medicine in the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) once it is deployed?
Local health officials have full control of SNS medicine once supplies
are deployed to a city, state, or territory. Federal, state, and local
community planners are working together to ensure that SNS medicines
will be delivered to the affected area as soon as possible. Many
cities, states, and territories have already received SNS supplies.
After CDC sends medicine to a state or city, control and distribution
of the supply is at the discretion of that state or local health
department. Most states and cities also have their own medicines that
they can access to treat infected persons.
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