H1N1 Flu

H1N1 flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by a type A influenza virus. H1N1 flu viruses do not normally infect humans; however, human infections with H1N1 flu do occur. Public health officials have determined that this particular strain of H1N1 flu virus spreads from human to human and can cause illness.

The symptoms of H1N1 flu in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu in humans and may include: fever (greater than 1OO°F or 37.8°C), sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, chills, headache, body aches and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with H1N1 flu. Severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with H1N1 flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

To prevent the spread of H1N1 flu:

1. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

2. Stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

3. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

4. Wash your hands often. Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water helps protect you from germs.

5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

6. Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

An investigation and response effort surrounding this outbreak is ongoing. For more information on H1N1 flu, please refer to the links on the left.