What is the H1N1 flu?

H1N1 (sometimes called “swine flu”) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This virus was first detected in the United States in April of 2009. This virus has been spreading from person-to-person worldwide. 

What are symptoms of the H1N1 flu?

The symptoms of the H1N1 flu virus in people include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Body aches
• Headache
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Some people infected with H1N1 have had respiratory symptoms without a fever. Severe illnesses and deaths have occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.

Who is at risk for H1N1 flu?

Everyone is at risk for H1N1 flu, unless you have received an H1N1 flu vaccine. However, some people are at higher risk for the flu than others. Those people include:

• Children younger than 9, but especially children younger than 2 years old
• Adults 65 years of age and older
• Pregnant women

And people with certain medical conditions, such as:

• Asthma
• Neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions including disorders of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerve, and muscle such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy seizure disorders, stroke, intellectual disability mental retardation, moderate to severe developmental delay, muscular dystrophy, or spinal cord injury. 
• Chronic lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis
• Heart disease such as congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease 
• Blood disorders such as sickle cell disease
• Endocrine disorders such as diabetes mellitus
• Kidney disorders
• Liver disorders
• Metabolic disorders such as inherited metabolic disorders and mitochondrial disorders
• Weakened immune system due to disease or medication such as people with HIV or AIDS, or cancer, or those on chronic steroids
• People younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy

How can I protect myself from getting sick?

There is an H1N1 flu vaccine available at your local health department that can protect you from getting H1N1 flu. Also, remember to wash your hands regularly, sneeze and cough into a tissue, and avoid contact with sick people.