H1N1 influenza (swine flu)

H1N1 influenza, also known as "swine flu," is a newly identified virus that can spread from people who are infected to others through coughs and sneezes. When people cough or sneeze, they spread germs through the air or onto surfaces that other people may touch. H1N1 influenza is not transmitted from pigs to humans or from eating pork products. H1N1 influenza is a new virus to human populations, so people's bodies have little ability to fight H1N1 infection. To avoid spreading illness to others, people with symptoms of the flu should stay at home until any fever has been gone for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicines.

ILLNESS AND MEDICAL CARE

What are the symptoms of H1N1 flu (swine flu)?

The symptoms of H1N1 flu in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people with H1N1 flu also reported diarrhea and vomiting. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Similar to seasonal flu, swine flu may make chronic medical conditions worse.

When should I seek medical care?

Use the same judgment you would use during a typical flu season. Do not seek medical care if you are not ill or have mild symptoms for which you would not ordinarily seek medical care. If you have more severe symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat, body aches or are feeling more seriously ill, call your health care provider to discuss your symptoms and if you need to be evaluated.

If the following flu-like symptoms are mild, medical attention is not typically required.

* Runny nose or nasal stuffiness
* Low-grade fever for less than 3 days
* Mild headache
* Body aches
* Mild stomach upset

If you get sick with influenza

* If you get sick, Public Health - Seattle & King County strongly recommends that you stay home from work or school so you can get better and keep others from getting sick.
* Also, if you get sick with influenza, remain at home and avoid contact with others until you've had no fever for 24 hours.

Are there medicines to treat H1N1 flu (swine flu)?

Yes, the antiviral oseltamivir or zanamivir (brand names Tamiflu and Relenza) can treat infection with H1N1 influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within two days of symptoms).

How do I get Tamiflu or Relenza?

Health care providers can prescribe Tamiflu or Relenza after examining a patient and determining that person is sick enough to need the medication. Do not try to buy Tamiflu or Relenza from companies offering the drugs online without a prescription. If your doctor prescribes Tamiflu for you, do not give your medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

When using facemasks:

* Change masks when they become moist
* Do not leave masks dangling around the neck
* Throw away used masks
* After touching or throwing away a used mask, wash hands or use alcohol sanitizer

Can I go to large gatherings, like concerts and sports events?

To date, the severity of the H1N1 flu outbreak appears to similar to a regular winter flu season. Make decisions about going to large gatherings as you would during a winter flu outbreak. If you want to do everything you can to avoid catching H1N1 flu virus, then avoid large gatherings. It is especially important not to participate in group gatherings if you are ill or have symptoms of influenza.

Public Health does not recommend the use of masks except for the following people:

* Sick people if they must be near others at home, or if they must leave the home (such as for an appointment with a health care provider).
* Caregivers of a people ill with influenza – when the caregiver leaves their home. This is to prevent spreading flu to others in case the caregiver is in the early stages of infection.

Whenever possible, do not rely on the use of facemasks or respirators alone to provide respiratory protection against novel influenza virus infection. The best way to prevent exposure to influenza is to avoid contact with ill people. Other steps include avoiding crowded setting and washing your hands frequently.