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How can I protect myself against H1N1?
As with seasonal flu, individuals and families can do several simple things to prevent infection and stop the spread of disease:
Wash your hands often with soap and warm water. Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. If you have no tissue handy, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick.
The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a seasonal flu shot. Seasonal flu vaccine will not protect against H1N1 Flu.
What is H1N1?
H1N1 (commonly referred to as swine flu) is widespread in the United States and has been detected internationally. A public health emergency has been declared in the United States in response to the H1N1 outbreak.
How does H1N1 spread?
The spread of H1N1 virus is thought to occur 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—such as a surface or object—with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
What are the symptoms of H1N1?
The symptoms of H1N1 flu virus in people 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. Severe illnesses and death have occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.
Who is able to get the 2009 H1N1 vaccine?
Supplies of the H1N1 vaccine have increased in Iowa making it possible to expand the people eligible to be vaccinated past the initial target priority groups to the general population. This includes all people six months of age and older.
While the vaccine is now available to the general public, people who meet the initial priority groups should especially consider getting vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices continues to recommend those at highest risk from flu complications to receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine. These groups include:
- Pregnant women
- Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age
- Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
- Children from 6 months through 18 years of age
- Young adults 19 through 24 years of age
- Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza
More information about Influenza A (H1N1) swine flu and status updates:
Links:
- Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH)
http://www.idph.state.ia.us/h1n1/
- flu.gov
http://www.flu.gov
