WHAT IS H1N1 INFLUENZA?
H1N1 influenza is a respiratory disease that is caused by a type A influenza virus. The current H1N1 virus contains unique gene segments from pig and human influenza viruses and hence is called the novel H1N1 influenza virus.
HOW CAN YOU GET H1N1 INFLUENZA?
H1N1 is transmitted from person to person. This occurs in the same way as seasonal flu. The spread is mainly through coughing or sneezing of people infected with the virus. People may also become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. H1N1 influenza viruses are not transmitted by food or pork products.
WHAT PRECAUTIONS CAN I TAKE?
There are everyday actions you can take to stay healthy:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Waterless, Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF H1N1 INFLUENZA?
The symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and may include acute onset of:
- Fever (greater than 100 F or 37.8 C)
- Cough
- Sore Throat
- Stuffy nose
- Chills
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with H1N1 flu.
HOW IS H1N1 INFLUENZA DIAGNOSED?
Treatment is more important than testing. Most patients do not require a special test.
WHAT IS THE MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR H1N1 INFLUENZA?
MOST PEOPLE DO NOT REQUIRE TREATMENT. Some high-risk patients such as young children, pregnant women, or hospitalized patients may be treated with Tamiflu or Relenza.
IS THERE A VACCINE FOR H1N1 INFLUENZA?
Yes, the novel H1N1 vaccine is expected to be available in mid- to late October 2009. The CDC recommends this vaccine to certain groups of people when it first becomes available. These key populations include:
- Pregnant women
- People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
- Healthcare and emergency services personnel,
- Persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years
- People between ages of 25 through 64 years who are at higher risk of H1N1 infection because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.
The seasonal flu vaccine is not expected to protect against the H1N1 flu. Hence individuals are encouraged to get both types of vaccines.
DO YOU NEED TO ISOLATE A PATIENT WITH H1N1 INFLUENZA?
- YES.
- Place suspected hospitalized patients in a private room.
- Use Droplet and Standard Precautions for routine medical care of patients with confirmed or probable H1N1 influenza or influenza- like illness. Post proper signage. Healthcare workers and visitors are to wear a surgical mask upon entering the room.
- The patient should wear a surgical mask whenever they are outside of their private room.
- For aerosol- generating procedures such as bronchoscopy, intubation and tracheal suctioning, a patient must be in a negative air room and healthcare workers should wear a N95 respirator and eye protection before entering the room. (HCW must be fit tested to wear the N95 respirator)
- Use good hand hygiene and Standard Precautions
- No special handling for linen or waste is required
- Continue precautions for seven days after onset of symptoms
Further guidance and information regarding seasonal and novel H1N1 influenza can be found at the following sites: