H1N1 Flu? Get All the Facts

Giang Nguyen , PharmD Candidate 2010

Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy

Prepared during Consumer Health Information Corporation Clerkship
McLean, VA

With flu season right around the corner, concern about H1N1 flu is on the rise. On August 25, 2009, The Washington Post reported that “[s]wine flu could infect half the U.S. population this fall and winter, hospitalizing up to 1.8 million people and causing as many as 90,000 deaths -- more than double the number that occur in an average flu season, according to an estimate from a presidential panel.” 

H1N1 is a flu virus that first appeared in the United States in April 2009.  At first, it was called swine flu because laboratory tests showed that it is very similar to flu viruses that normally make pigs sick.  However, more testing revealed that the H1N1 virus is also made of parts that are similar to flu viruses in birds and people. It has now spread all over the world.

What is so different about this flu? H1N1 is similar to seasonal (regular) flu, but it is likely to infect more people and affect children more than seniors. Unlike seasonal flu, it has been active during this spring and summer. Winter is the usual flu season, and there is concern that H1N1 may make this flu season worse than usual. Learn more about this newcomer flu.

What are the symptoms of H1N1 flu?

The symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and may include any of the following:

Some people who had H1N1 flu also report diarrhea and vomiting.

How does H1N1 flu spread?

Like seasonal flu, H1N1 flu spreads from person to person.  You can catch the H1N1 flu if an infected person coughs or sneezes near you.  You can also catch it if you touch something with the virus on it and then touch your eyes, mouth, or nose.

What can I do to keep from getting the flu?

• Wash your hands often.
• Try to stay in good health.
• Get plenty of sleep.
• Be physically active.
• Deal with stress in a healthy way.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Eat nutritious foods.
• Avoid touching places that may be contaminated with the flu virus.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.

What do I do if I get sick?

• You may be sick for a week or more.  Stay home unless you need access to medical care or other necessities.
• Avoid contact with other people as much as possible so that they will not catch the flu from you.
• Do not go to work or school for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone to reduce the chances of infecting other people.
• If you leave the house, wear a facemask if you have one. Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the garbage.

What medications are used to treat H1N1 flu?

For relief of symptoms like pain and fever, you can use over-the-counter (OTC) products such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®).  Due to the risk of a rare but life-threatening illness (Reye’s syndrome), do not give aspirin to children 18 years and younger. Do not give cold medicines to children younger than 4 years old without first speaking to a doctor.

Antiviral medications do not cure you, but they can help you get well faster. If you are very sick or at high risk of developing complications from the flu, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) and zanamivir (Relenza®) to treat or prevent H1N1 flu.  These medications are available by prescription only. They work best when given within two days of when you first experience flu symptoms.

Is there a vaccine for H1N1 flu?

The seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against H1N1.  Government officials plan to ready a separate vaccine for H1N1 for this flu season.

What can I do to decrease the spread of H1N1 flu?

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice). Antibacterial soap is not necessary since the flu is caused by a virus. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand gel.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough. Then throw the tissue in the wastebasket.
• If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the upper part of your sleeve. Do not cough or sneeze into your hands.
• Avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
• If you are sick, try to stay away from other people.  Avoid crowds if possible.  Try to stay home until you are well.
• If you do not have symptoms, try to avoid contact with sick people.

Can I catch it from preparing or eating pork?

No.  H1N1 does not spread through food.  You cannot catch it from preparing or eating pork or products made from pork.  Cooking to an internal temperature of 160°F kills bacteria and viruses.

Can my pet catch H1N1 flu?

It is very unlikely that H1N1 can infect dogs, cats, or horses. It may be possible for pet monkeys or pet pigs to catch this flu. If your pet is sick, contact your veterinarian.

© 2009 Consumer Health Information Corporation. All rights reserved.