Seasonal Influenza and H1N1

The seasonal influenza and the 2009 H1N1 flu have sparked serious concerns and confusion throughout the country, as well as the rest of the world. In April 2009, the U.S. documented its first case of the H1N1 flu, and on June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization declared a pandemic. Here are some basic facts on both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu, and how you can limit your risk of exposure to both.

Seasonal influenza and the 2009 H1N1 flu share some similarities, including:

• Symptoms can include a fever, headache, vomiting, sneezing, stuffy or runny nose, aches and pains, coughing and fatigue.
• Those who have pre-existing conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, suppressed immune systems, heart disease, kidney disease or neurocognitive and neuromuscular disorders are considered to be at a higher risk for contracting both the seasonal flu and H1N1 flu.
• Women who are pregnant are also at a higher risk for both seasonal flu and H1N1 flu.
• Both the seasonal and the H1N1 flu are spread through contact with the viruses, including person-to-person contact by sneezing or coughing, as well as person-to-object contact by touching a contaminated surface then touching your eyes, mouth or nose.

Differences between the seasonal influenza an the 2009 H1N1 flu:

• The H1N1 flu can have more severe symptoms, including difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, confusion, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, severe or persistent vomiting, or flu-like symptoms that cease, but then return more violently, for adults.
• Children’s symptoms can include fast or troubled breathing, blue or gray skin tone, not wanting to drink fluids, severe or persistent vomiting, not waking up or not interacting, being so irritable that they do not want to be held or flu-like symptoms that cease, but then return more violently.
• Those under age 25 are considered to be at a high risk for contracting the H1N1 flu. While those over age 65 are considered to be at an increased risk for contracting the seasonal flu, statistically, they are lower risk for contracting the H1N1 flu (about one-third of adults age 60 and older may have antibodies against this virus).

How to limit the spread and risk of exposure to both the seasonal influenza and the H1N1 flu:

• Vaccines are the most powerful public health tool for control of influenza. The seasonal flu vaccine is currently avaialable. The U.S. government is working closely with manufacturers to take steps in the process to manufacture an H1N1 vaccine, and predicts that it will be available to the public this fall.
• Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing with a tissue, then wash or sanitize your hands after properly disposing of the tissue.
• Wash your hands often with warm water and soap for 10-20 seconds. Use alcohol-based sanitizer if you do not have access to soap or water.
• Sanitize surface areas in your home that are exposed to high contact, including kitchen counters, bathroom surfaces, doorknobs and children’s toys using anti-bacterial cleaning supplies or bleach.
• Avoid touching your eyes, mouth or nose—this is how germs are spread.
• Try to avoid contact with sick people.
• If you are sick with flu-like symptoms, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that you remain home for 24 hours after your symptoms have ceased in order to prevent spreading the virus.
• Be prepared with over-the-counter medical supplies, tissues or pain and fever relievers in case you do become ill.
• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.

Talk to your doctor about your personal risk and get more information on H1N1 and seasonal flu - from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC).