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H1N1 Swine Influenza (Flu) Fact Sheet

Copied from http://www.sfcdcp.org/h1n1facts.html

What is H1N1 swine flu?

H1N1 swine flu is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. It was first detected in people in April 2009 and has been declared a pandemic.  Cases have been found in the United States, including San Francisco, and internationally. 

 

How many people have been infected?

Because the disease is widespread and causes mild illness similar to other types of respiratory infections and seasonal flu, it is unclear how many people have been infected.  Many people may not know if they have been infected, may not have seen a doctor about their symptoms, and/or may not have been tested. However, some hospitalized patients with specific symptoms are being tested.  Click on the links below for more information:

 

• San Francisco
• California 
• United States
• Global

 

How does swine flu spread?

Just like seasonal flu, the H1N1 (swine) flu spreads through tiny wet drops produced when a contagious person coughs, sneezes, or talks.  These drops can travel short distances.  A person without the flu can be infected by breathing in these wet drops or by touching something that was recently contaminated and then touching their mouth, nose, or eyes. 

When is an infected person contagious?

Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick.  However, people are most contagious during the first 3 days of illness.

 

How can I prevent the spread of H1N1 (swine) flu?

Healthy habits will help prevent the spread of germs:

 

• Get vaccinated for seasonal flu and H1N1 swine flu
• Clean your hands often
• Stay home when sick
• Cover your cough and sneeze
• Clean and disinfect

 

Is there a vaccine?

Yes. It is important for everyone to get a seasonal flu shot and an H1N1 swine flu shot this fall and winter. Vaccine is in short supply and is slowly becoming available. Contact your provider for updates on where you can get the vaccine. For more information on where to get a flu vaccine and frequently asked vaccine questions click here.

 

Groups encouraged to be vaccinated for H1N1 swine flu include:

 

• Pregnant women
• Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age
• Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
• All people from 6 months through 24 years of age
• Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza

For more information about priority groups click here.

 

Do I need to wear a mask?

Masks are not recommended for the general public.  Individuals who feel sick may be asked by their health care providers to wear a mask when coming to their offices.  Just like with seasonal flu, health care providers should wear a mask when in close contact with a symptomatic patient.

 

What are the symptoms of H1N1 (swine) flu?

The symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of our regular seasonal flu.  They may include:

 

Fever Cough Sore throat           Body/muscle aches Headache

Chills Fatigue Diarrhea Vomiting

 

Is it a cold or the flu? 

In general, the flu is worse than the common cold.  Colds are usually milder than the flu.

 

Symptom	Flu	Cold
Fever	Usually 102 degrees F, but can go up to 104 degrees F and usually lasts 3 to 4 days.	Rare in adults and older children, but can be as high as 102 degrees F in infants and small children.
Headache	Sudden onset and can be severe	Rare
Muscle Aches	Usually, and often severe	None or mild
Tiredness and Weakness	Can last 2 or more weeks	Mild
Extreme Exhaustion	Sudden onset and can be severe	Never
Runny Nose	Sometimes	Often
Sneezing	Sometimes	Often
Sore Throat	Sometimes	Often
Cough	Usually, and can become severe	Mild to moderate

 

 

What should I do if I am sick or think I may be infected?

See our recommendations on what to do if you are sick and when to contact your health care provider.

 

Are there medications for treating the H1N1 (swine) flu virus?

There are some over-the-counter medications and some prescription medications that make people feel better when they have the flu.  Learn more here.

 

Should I travel?

Please visit the CDC H1N1 (swine) Flu Travel Page for guidance.

 

Additional information

• CDC H1N1 (Swine) Influenza Web Page
• World Health Organization H1N1 (Swine) Influenza Web Page

 

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