What is novel H1N1 (swine flu)?

2009 Novel H1N1 is a new and very different influenza virus that is spreading worldwide among people. It was called "swine flu" at first because it has pieces of flu viruses found in pigs in the past.

How is H1N1 spread?

The virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. It spreads when someone with the H1N1 flu virus coughs or neezes. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something - such as a surface or object - with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth, nose, or eyes.

What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1 in people?

The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus in people include fever*, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. A number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Severe illness and death have occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus. (*It is important to not that all people will have a fever).

What should I do if I get sick?

If you get sick with flu-like symptoms this flu season, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people except to get medical care. Most people with 2009 H1N1 have had mild illness and have not needed medical care or antiviral drugs and the same is true of seasonal flu. However, some people are more likely to get flu complications and they should talk to a health care provider about whether they need to be examined if they get flu symptoms this season. They are:

• Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
• People 65 and older
• Pregnant women
• People who have underlying medical conditions

Also, it’s possible for healthy people to develop severe illness from the flu so anyone concerned about their illness should consult a health care provider. There are emergency warning signs. Anyone who has them should get medical care right away.

In children

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• Fever with a rash

In adults

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting

Will there be an H1N1 Vaccine?

The vaccine against H1N1 flu is now available for ALL residents.

Will the Vaccine be Safe?

The CDC has confirmed that the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine will have a similar safety profile to the seasonal flu vacine, which has a very good safety record. Over the years millions of Americans have received the seasonal flu vaccine. For more information associated with H1N1 influenza vaccine safety click here.

How can I prevent H1N1?

To help prevent H1N1 continue to take everyday steps to prevent the spread of flu viruses:

1. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you do not have a tissue, use the inside of your elbow.

2. Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand cleaners may also be effective.

3. Avoid others who might be sick.

4. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with your hands.

5. Stay home from work or school if you are sick.

(Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fall 2009)

H1N1 Resources:

For more information from the CDC about H1N1 click here

For information from the Connecticut Department of Public Health click here

Subscribe to the CDC's H1N1 RSS feed for up-to-the-minute information

Follow H1N1 on Twitter! Click here to subscribe

Past Press Releases:

May 2009

Resources for Schools and Businesses:

CDC Clean Hands Help Prevent the Flu - Podcast click here  Quicktime (Free Software) needed for viewing click here

Cover Your Cough (English)

Cover Your Cough (Spanish)  

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