Q: What is the H1N1 flu?
A: H1N1 flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses. Outbreaks of flu viruses happen regularly in pigs. People do not normally get this type of flu, but human infections can and do happen. Most commonly, human cases of this type of flu virus happen in people who are around pigs but it's possible for H1N1 flu viruses to spread from person to person also. Human-to-human transmission is ongoing in the current outbreak.
Q: What are the signs and symptoms of?
A: Signs and symptoms are similar to regular seasonal human flu and include: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people also have diarrhea and vomiting
Q: How do I protect myself and my family?
A: There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
Q: Could H1N1 flu be treated?
A: Yes, with the flu drugs Tamiflu or Relenza. Other flu medications are not known to be effective.
Q: Should I take the flu drugs as a preventative measure?
A: No. One of the main causes of resistance to anti-viral medications and antibiotics is over-use of them for conditions in which they are not required. Use them only if needed and prescribed by a doctor.
Q: Are there enough flu drugs?
A: Yes. The federal government has stockpiled enough of the drugs to treat 50 million people, and many states have additional stocks. As a precaution, the CDC has shipped a quarter of that supply to the states to keep on hand just in case the virus starts spreading more than it has so far.
Q: Is H1N1 flu easily transmissible?
A: At this time it is not yet known if the virus easily spreads or close or prolonged contact with someone who's sick is needed for transmission. In general, flu viruses are spread through coughs and sneezes that are not properly covered or by contact with the virus then touching your mouth or nose with unwashed hands. Flu viruses can live on surfaces (ex. counter tops, door handles, etc... ) for hours.
Q: When I enter the hospital I see stations with masks. Do I need them for outside?
A: According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) it's better to avoid close contact with someone who's sick and gatherings/events in areas where swine flu has been found. If you can't avoid such situations then the CDC guidelines say it's OK to consider a mask.
Q: Should I be scared of getting sick?
A: For the majority of people, the risk of getting sick is still very low. Of the reported cases most seem related to recent travel to Mexico.
Q: So is it safe to eat pork?
A: Yes. H1N1 influenza viruses don't spread through food.
Q: How do I know if I should see a doctor?
A: According to the CDC those highest at risk are individuals who live in areas where H1N1 flu cases have been confirmed. Another risk factor to consider is recent travel to Mexico or known contact with a person who has traveled to Mexico recently. In those situations should you have flulike symptoms, with especially any respiratory issues, ask your doctor if you need treatment or to be tested.
Q: In the '70s I received a "swine" flu shot. Does that one still work? If not, is there a new vaccine I could receive?
A: The answer to both questions is no. Just like seasonal flu vaccines do not offer protection from year to year neither does the past swine flu vaccination individuals received. Remember that this strain is a never before seen type so there currently is no vaccine that would be effective. Also the CDC's initial testing suggests that last season's flu shot will not offer any cross-protection.
Q: How long would it take for a vaccine that is effective to be made?
A: According to experts the timeframe for production for a vaccine is 4-6 months. Presently, the government hasn't yet decided if the outbreak is severe enough to order production.
Q: And whatever happened to bird flu? Wasn't that supposed to be the next pandemic?
A: Specialists have long warned that the issue is a never-before-seen strain that people have little if any natural immunity to, regardless of whether it seems to originate from a bird or a pig. Bird flu hasn't gone away; scientists are tracking it, too.
LOYOLA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SYSTEM
