Confirmed human cases of the H1N1 virus (swine flu) have been reported in multiple states. Internationally, there are reported outbreaks in Mexico, Canada and other countries around the world. Although most cases of the H1N1 human swine flu infection have been mild, health officials are closely monitoring and responding aggressively to the outbreaks in an ongoing effort to reduce the spread and severity of illness.

 

Here are answers to frequently asked questions about the H1N1 virus (swine flu):

 

What is H1N1 virus?
H1N1 virus, also known as "swine flu" and "swine Influenza A" is a 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 virus is not transmitted from pigs to
humans or from eating pork products.

What should I do to keep from getting the H1N1 virus?
First and most important: wash your hands and avoid close contact with people who are sick.

 

What are the symptoms of H1N1 virus?
The symptoms of H1N1 virus in people are similar to seasonal flu: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches,
headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting.

Are there medicines for H1N1 virus?
Yes, there are antiviral medicines to help treat the H1N1 virus. These prescription medicines work best if
started within 2 days of flu symptoms. A health care provider must determine whether someone is sick
enough to need the medication. There is currently no vaccine to prevent H1N1 virus.

 

What should I do if I am sick?
• Stay home from work or school and don't travel. Get better and keep others from getting sick.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your inner elbow when you cough or sneeze.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If you don't have
access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

 

How should I decide if I should seek medical care?
People should make decisions about when to seek medical care as they would under normal
circumstances. Consult with a health care provider or seek medical care for the following:
• fever, along with any of the following symptoms
• rapidly worsening illness
• person is unresponsive and unable to get out of bed
• bad sore throat or severe cough
• chest pain

If you need medical care and don't have a medical provider or health insurance, call the Community
Health Access Program at 800-756-5437. You will not be asked to provide proof of immigration status.

 

 

PHSKC has also created "Not Business As Usual," a video to help further explain prevention steps. Click here to view the video.

 

Preparedness comic book in multiple languages

To promote pandemic flu preparedness, Public Health - Seattle & King County has developed a 12-page comic book on pandemic flu. Targeting readers of all ages, this story tells the tale of a family's experience of the 1918 influenza pandemic. It also explains the threat of pandemic flu today, illustrates what to expect during a pandemic (such as school closures), and offers tips to help households prepare. Click here to request your comic book.

 

 

Remember all those care packages your parents sent you to heal a broken heart, feed you at college or make your birthday memorable? Now children/grandchildren can send aging relatives a care package of their own with the Senior Swine Flu Prevention Package.

 

This year, The White House advised Swine Flu could infect half the U.S. population, hospitalize 1.8 million people and lead to as many as 90,000 deaths. The government's vaccination priority list that left off seniors did include pregnant women, health care workers, people caring for infants, children and young adults from 6 months to 24 years and people age 25 - 64 with underlying medical conditions such as asthma or diabetes. Seniors are not as likely to get Swine Flu because they have some immunity, but families should not take chances.

 

You can assemble the Senior Swine Flu Prevention Package for less than $20. For other prevention package suggestions, click here.

 

Ideas for the Senior Swine Flu Prevention Package include:
• Senior Swine Flu Tip Sheet (available to download at http://seniorhelpers.com/senior-helpers-news)
• Latex gloves - to wear when opening doors, shopping, etc. to avoid picking up germs.
• Vitamins
• Hand Sanitizer - Pocket size bottles can easily be kept in purses, cars, briefcases and desks.
• Baby Wipes - Seniors should wipe down hands, door knobs, car doors, pens, etc...

 

 

For more information and on-going updates:
Public Health – Seattle & King County: www.kingcounty.gov/health/h1n1

Flu Hotline: 877-903-5464, TTY Relay: 711, 9 am - 5 pm, (M - F), interpreters available

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC): www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu

CDC 24 hour info line: 800-232-4636, 888-232-6348 TTY