H1N1 Frequently Asked Questions
The following information on H1N1 Influenza was compiled from information provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). More information can be found on the following websites:
WHO: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/
CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1FLU/
What is the H1N1 flu?
H1N1 Influenza is a respiratory disease caused by the type A influenza virus that spreads contagiously from person-to-person. It is no more severe than regular seasonal influenza, and like seasonal flu, can vary in severity from mild to severe.
What are symptoms of H1N1?
The symptoms of H1N1 flu include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Some symptoms require emergency medical attention including shortness of breath, pain in the chest or abdomen, and sudden dizziness or confusion. In children, emergency symptoms include blue lips and skin, dehydration, rapid breathing, excessive sleeping and significant irritability.
What do I do if I have H1N1 symptoms?
Limit your contact with other people as much as possible and contact AUC Medical services at 2615-4000 in New Cairo, 2797-6747 downtown or Dr. Mohamed Amin, AUC Medical Director at 012-100-5947. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Clean your hands every time your cough or sneeze.
What happens if I catch H1N1 Influenza?
The vast majority of H1N1 cases are mild with quick recovery and the chances of severe complications are extremely low. The WHO has reported that almost one-half of H1N1 patients in the United States had underlying conditions. It is suspected that people at higher risk of serious complications include children younger than five years old, persons aged 65 years or older, pregnant women, and people at any age with underlying medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, or a weakened immune system.
How does it spread?
H1N1 is thought to spread in the same way as seasonal flu, 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. People with the virus are considered potentially contagious for up to 7 days following the illness onset. The virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for up to 2-8 hours after being deposited on the surface.
Should I wear a facemask?
Use of facemasks is generally not recommended for individuals who are not in direct, close contact with people who have H1N1 Influenza. The best way to decrease the likelihood of transmission is by following the actions below.
How can I protect myself and those around me?
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and properly dispose of the tissue. If you do not have a tissue, sneeze or cough into the bend of your arm rather than into your hands to reduce the spread of germs.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- People exhibiting flu-like symptoms should contact AUC Medical Services, stay home and minimize contact with others
Can H1N1 be treated?
Yes, the virus is susceptible to certain antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu. Should you become ill and are diagnosed with H1N1 Influenza, your doctor will determine if you should take antiviral drugs.
How many cases of H1N1 Influenza have there been?
According to the World Health Organization, 66 countries have officially reported 27,737 cases of infection, with a mortality rate of approximately one-half of one percent.
Should Tamiflu be used prophylactically, i.e. to prevent the onset of H1N1?
In the United States, Tamiflu has not been used extensively for prophylactic purposes, per the CDC’s recommendation that it only be administered on a prophylactic basis to those individuals at high-risk for complications of influenza who have been in close contact with H1N1 cases (confirmed, probable or expected) and to public health workers who have had a recognized, unprotected close contact exposure during that person’s infectious period.