2009 H1N1 Flu - Frequently Asked Questions
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General information
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Preventing the flu
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What to do if you get sick
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When to seek medical care and advice
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Vaccines
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Antiviral medications
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Feeding babies and breastfeeding
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Infection control
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Travel
GENERAL INFORMATION
What is the H1N1 virus?
H1N1 (previously called “swine flu”) is a new influenza virus causing
illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the
United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from
person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal
influenza viruses spread.
How many people in Missoula have H1N1?
The number of Influenza Like Illness (ILI) and H1N1 continues to rise. For a state and national view see CDC - Flu Activity
What are some of the symptoms of H1N1?
- fever (greater than 100 degrees F)
- cough
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- headache and body aches
- chills
- tiredness
- sometimes vomiting and diarrhea (in addition to respiratory symptoms
Are the symptoms of H1N1 the same as the seasonal flu?
Yes. Illness with the new H1N1 virus has ranged from mild to severe. While most people who have been sick have recovered without needing medical treatment, hospitalizations and deaths from infection with this virus have occurred. The same is true for seasonal influenza.
Should I get tested for H1N1 influenza?
No. Limited testing is completed by health professional to monitor rates of influenza occurrence. The test is costly and treatment is the same for any Influenza Like Illness (ILI.) Going to an emergency room or health care provider for flu symptoms may expose others at high risk and may be costly for the patient. Stay home and treat influenza like illness.
PREVENTING THE FLU
How does this new H1N1 virus spread?
The spread of 2009 H1N1 virus is thought to occur in the same way
that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to
person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes
people may become infected by touching something – such as a surface or
object – with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
How long can an infected person spread H1N1 to others?
People with H1N1 influenza are contagious as long as they feel sick
and possibly up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially
younger children, may be contagious for longer periods. H1N1 can stay
active on surfaces for 2-8 hours.
A person is no longer contagious after being fever free for 24 hours
without the aid of fever reducing medications.
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
- Get the vaccine when it is available for your risk and/or age group.
- Cough or sneeze into your sleeve, or 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 hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. You should stay home or keep your child home until fever free for 24 hours without the aid of anti-fever medications.
If I have a family member at home who is sick with 2009 H1N1 flu, should I go to work?
Yes. Employees who are well but who have an ill family member at home with 2009 H1N1 flu can go to work as usual. These employees should monitor their health every day, and take everyday precautions including washing their hands often with soap and water, especially after they cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. If they become ill, they should notify their supervisor and stay home. Employees who have an underlying medical condition or who are pregnant should call their health care provider for advice, because they might need to receive antiviral drugs to prevent illness.
H1N1 information for parents of school aged children
WHAT TO DO IF YOU GET SICK
What should I do if I get sick?
DO NOT go to the emergency room. Contact your health care provider by phone for recommendations.
If you or your child are in a high risk group contact your provider to determine if anti-virals are needed. A list of people who are at higher risk for complications is on our Antiviral Medication page. If you do not have a health care provider you may contact Partnership Health Center at 258-4103.
Take care of yourself: Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of clear fluids including water, eat a healthy diet, cover coughs and sneezes, and wash hands frequently.
Take anti-fever medications: Aspirin, Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, Naproxen.
Warning! Do not give aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) to children or teenagers who have the flu; this can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye’s syndrome.
Over-the-counter cold and flu medications used according to the package instructions may help lessen some symptoms such as cough and congestion.
Stay home for at least 24 hours after fever is gone without fever reducing medications except to seek medical treatment or necessities if needed.
What to do if you have flu-like symptoms
Is It a Cold or Is It the Flu?
WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL CARE OR ADVICE
When should I be concerned about myself or loved one who has influenza? If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
In CHILDREN, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish or gray skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
In ADULTS, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse coughing
VACCINES
Is the H1N1 vaccine ready yet?
Vaccine for H1N1 is arriving in Missoula County and a clinic has been set up. To make an appointment for the vaccination, or answer any H1N1-related questions, call the H1N1 information line 258-4636.
When should children receive their second H1N1 vaccination? Don’t they need it in 28 days?
Children age 9 and under need two doses of the H1N1 vaccine, given a minimum of 28 apart. Two doses in the same flu season will be effective. If your child has received the first dose of vaccine, check our Vaccine Web Page or the H1N1 info line (258-4636) for information on clinics for children to receive their second dose.
My child received the H1N1 flu mist vaccine. I heard it has live virus and will cause the flu in people around her if she coughs or sneezes. Is this True?
No, the H1N1 flu mist vaccine will not cause anyone to develop influenza. The nasal-spray flu vaccine contains weakened virus that works in the nose to build antibodies to H1N1. Shedding the vaccine from the nose is extremely limited and even if it occurs, the vaccine does not cause flu, it prevents it. As always, when a person coughs or sneezes, they should cover their mouth and nose with their sleeve or a clean tissue to prevent spread of all types of germs.
Who can get the vaccine?
Any Missoula County resident may get an H1N1 Influenza vaccination. People at higher risk for complications (see below) are still being urged to get vaccinated.
First Priority Group:
- Pregnant women - H1N1 guidance for pregnant women - from CDC
- Children 6 months through 4 years
- Children 6 months through 18 who are at higher risk for H1N1 because of chronic health disorder or compromised immune systems
- Health care and emergency workers who have direct client contact
- People who live with or care for children under 6 months of age
Second Priority Group:
- Children ages 5-24 (regardless of health conditions)
- All health care and emergency medical service personnel
- People ages 25-64 years who are at higher risk for HiN1 because of chronic health disorder or compromised immune systems
Will the flu shots administered previously provide protection against H1N1?
No. Seasonal flu shots are developed each year. The seasonal flu is different from H1N1 so they are not effective against H1N1 flu. A vaccination for H1N1 flu will begin to be available in October to high risk groups. Call the information line at 258-4636 or view the Missoula City-County Health Dept - H1N1 web site for the latest update on vaccine availability.
Can the seasonal influenza vaccine and the 2009 H1N1 vaccine be given at the same time?
Yes. The seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 vaccines may be administered on the same day but given at different sites (e.g. one shot in the left arm and the other shot in the right arm). Pregnant women and others at increased risk of complications of influenza are encouraged to get their seasonal flu vaccine as soon as it is available.
Why aren't folks 65 or older encouraged to get the H1N1 vaccine?
Adults older than 64 years do not yet appear to be at increased risk of contracting 2009 H1N1 flu. Although, if people over 65 do get H1N1 flu, they are at a higher risk of complications.
About one-third of adults older than 60 may have antibodies against this virus. But it is unknown how much, if any, protection may be afforded against 2009 H1N1 flu by any existing antibodies.
ANTIVIRAL MEDICATIONS
If I get H1N1 is there any drug that can help me?
Maybe. The drugs that are used for treating novel H1N1 flu are called oseltamivir (trade name Tamiflu ®) and zanamivir (Relenza ®). As the novel H1N1 flu spreads, these antiviral drugs may become in short supply. Therefore, the drugs may be given first to those people who have been hospitalized or are at higher risk of severe illness from flu. The drugs work best if given within 2 days of becoming ill, but may be given later if illness is severe or for those at a higher risk for complications. These medications must be prescribed by a health care professional.
Groups of people who are at higher risk for complications from influenza.
What is Tamiflu?
Tamiflu and Relenza are anti-viral drugs used to treat H1N1 flu. Anti-virals will help the symptoms be less severe and last a shorter time. Relenza should not be used for children younger than 5 years old.
Who should get Tamiflu or Relenza anti-virals?
People who are at a higher risk for complications:
- Children 6 months to 4 years old (children under 2 years old are at higher risk for complications than older children)
- Adults 65 years and older
- Pregnant women
- People with certain chronic medical or immunosuppressive conditions • People younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy
If you fall into one of these categories it is important that you contact your health care provider as soon as you have flu symptoms. He or she can determine if Tamiflu or another antiviral is best for you. If you do not have a health care provider, DO NOT go to the emergency room. Call the emergency room or Partnership Health at 258-4103.
FEEDING BABIES AND BREASTFEEDING
If I am sick, what is the safest way to feed my baby?
Infants are thought to be at higher risk for severe illness from H1N1 infection and very little is known about H1N1 prevention in infants. If you are breastfeeding or giving your baby infant formula, a cautious approach would be to protect your baby from exposure to the flu virus in the following ways:
- Ask for help from someone who is not sick to feed and care for your baby, if possible
- If there is no one else who can take care of your baby while you are sick, try to wear a face mask at all times when you are feeding or caring for your baby. You should also be very careful about washing your hands and taking everyday precautions to prevent your baby from getting flu.
- Using a cloth blanket between you and your baby during feedings might also help.
Can I breastfeed my baby if I am sick or taking medication for the flu?
If you are breastfeeding, someone who is not sick can give your baby your expressed milk. Ideally babies less than about 6 months of age should get their feedings from breast milk. It is OK to take medicines to treat the flu while you are breastfeeding.
Should I stop breastfeeding my baby if I think I have come in contact with the flu?
No. Because mothers make antibodies to fight diseases they come in contact with, their milk is custom-made to fight the diseases their babies are exposed to as well. This is really important in young babies when their immune system is still developing. It is OK to take medicines to prevent the flu while you are breastfeeding. You should make sure you wash your hands often and take everyday precautions (CDC - Protective Habits). However, if you develop symptoms of the flu such as fever, cough, or sore throat, you should ask someone who is not sick to care for your baby. If you become sick, someone who is not sick can give your baby your expressed milk.
How would I know if my baby has influenza?
Watch for regular signs of Influenza Like Illness (ILI) such as fever, runny or stuffy nose, and irritability.
What do I do if my baby gets influenza symptoms?
Contact your health care provider by phone if you have questions and tell them the age of the infant and your concerns. Your health care provider will provide guidance. If you do not have a health care provider contact Partnership Health at 258-4103.
CDC - Breastfeeding and Influenza
INFECTION CONTROL
What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus?
- If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible
- Do not go to work or school if ill. Be fever free for 24 hours without the aid of anti-fever medications before returning to work or school
- Cough or sneeze into your sleeve, or cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Put your used tissue in the waste basket
- Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.
What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
Door knobs, public counter tops and pens, stair hand railings, public faucets, communal toys, etc. Touching your eyes, nose or mouth after touching a contaminated service can introduce the virus to your body. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air and can come to rest on surfaces like a desk. Therefore, wash your hands (or use a hand sanitizer) frequently.
What kills influenza virus?
The influenza virus is destroyed by heat (167-212°F [75-100°C]) or by
chemical germicides, including chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents
(soap), iodophors (iodine-based antiseptics), and alcohols, if used in
proper concentration for a sufficient length of time. For example, wipes
or gels with alcohol in them can be used to clean hands. The gels should
be rubbed into hands until they are dry.
What can be used to clean contaminated surfaces?
Use a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label.
How should laundry, household cleaning and waste disposal be handled?
- Throw tissues and other disposable items used by the sick person in the trash. Wash your hands after touching used tissues and similar waste.
- Keep surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, and toys for children) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label.
- Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but these items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first.
- Wash linens (such as bed sheets and towels) by using household laundry soap and tumble dry on a hot setting. Avoid “hugging” laundry prior to washing it to prevent contaminating yourself. Clean your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub right after handling dirty laundry.
- Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap.
Is there a risk from drinking water?
No. Tap water that has been treated by conventional disinfection processes does not likely pose a risk for transmission of influenza viruses. Current drinking water treatment regulations provide a high degree of protection from viruses. No research has been completed on the susceptibility of the novel H1N1 flu virus to conventional drinking water treatment processes. However, recent studies have demonstrated that free chlorine levels typically used in drinking water treatment are adequate to inactivate highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza. It is likely that other influenza viruses such as novel H1N1 would also be similarly inactivated by chlorination. To date, there have been no documented human cases of influenza caused by exposure to influenza-contaminated drinking water.
Can I get H1N1 flu from eating or preparing pork?
No. H1N1 influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get it from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.
TRAVEL
Will I get influenza if I travel?
CDC recommends that travelers at high risk for complications from any form of flu discuss their travel plans with their doctor. Together, they should look carefully at the H1N1 flu situation in their destination and the available health-care options in the area.
