Recently, the United States Department of Health and Human
Services declared a public health emergency in regards to the 2009 H1N1 (swine)
flu virus. The World Health Organization (WHO) has increased the H1N1 flu
pandemic alert level to phase 6. A pandemic is an outbreak of an illness that is
sudden and that covers a large geographic area, such as a continent or the whole
world. In this case, the pandemic is global.
The H1N1 virus has been reported in countries throughout the
world. Cases of H1N1 flu in the United States have been identified and confirmed
by lab testing. Currently, H1N1 flu has caused significant illness and deaths
around the world.
What is 2009 H1N1 flu?
The 2009 H1N1 flu is a very contagious respiratory disease in
pigs that is caused by a virus. Normally, viruses of this type are confined to
pigs. It is possible, however, that H1N1, a particular strain of swine flu
virus, has mutated. While scientists are not exactly sure how it happens, H1N1
has spread to humans and is continuing to be spread by human-to-human contact.
What are the symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu in humans?
The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 influenza are similar to the symptoms
of other seasonal types of influenza virus, including:
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Body aches
- Headache
- Chills
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Sometimes, pneumonia or respiratory failure
- Worsening of existing physical conditions
People with H1N1 flu might be slightly more likely to experience
the gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting, etc.) than people with the usual forms
of the flu.
How is 2009 H1N1 influenza diagnosed?
Because of its similarity to other forms of influenza, H1N1 flu
cannot be diagnosed only on the basis of symptoms. Your health care provider
will take a sample of mucus from your throat or mucus that has been coughed up.
The doctor will send the sample to a laboratory for testing.
How is 2009 H1N1 flu treated?
In general, 2009 H1N1 flu is treated in the same manner of as
other influenza viruses. It is advisable to stay at home and rest, take
over-the-counter products such as acetaminophen for pain and fever, and drink
plenty of fluids.
The prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) and
zanamivir (Relenza®) have been found to be effective against the virus. For
these drugs to be most effective, they should be taken within one to two days of
the start of symptoms. In addition, some health care providers might prescribe
these drugs to the infected person’s family members or others living in close
contact with the person in order to prevent the virus from spreading.
Antiviral drugs may not stop the infection entirely, but they
may provide significant relief from symptoms. In addition, they may also stop
you from developing complications of the flu.
How is 2009 H1N1 flu spread?
The 2009 H1N1 flu can be spread to humans from infected pigs. It
can also be transmitted among people in the same way that other influenza
viruses are spread: coughing and sneezing that sprays droplets of infected
material into the air and onto surfaces. This infected material may be breathed
in by others. In addition, people may get the virus by touching infected
droplets on hard surfaces and then touching their eyes, noses, or mouths.
If I get 2009 H1N1 flu, how long am I contagious?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the
infectious period for a confirmed case of 2009 H1N1 flu is one day prior to the
start of the illness through seven days after the illness starts. Also, your
fever should be gone.
Can I get 2009 H1N1 flu from eating pork?
No. It is safe to consume pork or pork products that have been
adequately processed and prepared. Pork should be cooked to an internal
temperature of 160°F.
How can I protect myself and others against infection?
You can help protect yourself against infection by the 2009 H1N1
flu virus and other viruses by:
- Washing your hands frequently with soap and water. If soap and water is
not available, use alcohol-based cleaners.
- Staying away from sick people. If you are sick, you should stay away
from other people as much as possible.
- Not touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Covering your mouth with tissues when you cough or coughing into your
shirt rather than your hands. Dispose of the tissues, and then wash your hands.
- Getting the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine.
If you have symptoms of H1N1 influenza or any other type of flu,
you should contact your health care provider, especially if you want to get a
prescription for antiviral drugs. In addition, it is very important to contact
your health provider if you have symptoms and:
- You have recently traveled to Mexico or to other locations that have had
confirmed cases of 2009 H1N1 flu. Many U.S. states have had confirmed cases.
- You have been in contact with someone who has traveled to Mexico or
other locations that have had confirmed cases of H1N1 flu.
- You are having difficulty breathing.
- You cannot stop vomiting.
- You are experiencing an extreme change in behavior or in your mental state.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 10/19/2009…#14388
