H1N1 Virus

What is the H1N1 virus?

H1N1 is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This virus was first detected in April 2009 in people in the United States. The virus is spread through human-to-human contact.

In the early stages, H1N1 was referred to as the swine flu. Through research and testing it was determined there was no link between pigs/swine and this virus. It is safe to eat pork products.

What are the symptoms of the H1N1 flu?

The symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to the symptoms of regular flu.

Symptoms may include some or all of the following:

• fever of 100.5 or greater (without the use of fever reducing medication like ibuprofen or Tylenol)
• cough
• sore throat
• runny or stuffy nose
• body aches
• headache
• chills
• fatigue
• sometimes diarrhea and vomiting

Showing symptoms of the flu can take up to three days. If you have been in close contact with someone who develops symptoms to the flu, it is likely that it is too late for you to avoid exposure to the virus.

How do I protect myself from the H1N1 virus?

The virus is spread through human-to-human contact.

• Get the seasonal flu vaccine as well as the H1N1 vaccine.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not into your hands.
• 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.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• Frequently clean commonly used surfaces at home and work such as doorknobs, refrigerator handles, remote controls, computer keyboards, countertops, faucet handles, and bathroom areas.

What do I do if I have flu-like symptoms?

• STAY HOME. Don't go to class, work, shopping, any public places, and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. The Center for Disease Control recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without using any fever reducing medication such as ibuprofen or Tylenol.
  • If you will miss class, notify your instructor, in advance if possible, by email or phone. It is your responsibility to maintain communication.
  • If you miss work, contact your supervisor.
  • You do not need to stay home or see a doctor if you have been exposed to the flu but have no symptoms.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Drink plenty of liquids
• Take ibuprofen or Tylenol if you have a fever over 100.5
• If you don't have the following at home, have a friend or family member go to the store and purchase:
  • a thermometer
  • ibuprofen or Tylenol for fever, muscle aches, sore throat
  • sore throat lozenges or Chloroseptic throat spray for sore throat
  • cough lozenges
  • cough medicine
  • if you have a runny or stuffy nose: decongestants such as Sudafed or Claritin D (generic is okay)
  • Kleenex and hand sanitizer
  • juice, water, Gatorade/Powerade, decaffeinated tea, Sprite, ginger ale
  • chicken noodle soup
  • popsicles, jello, applesauce, pudding, yogurt, sherbet

When should I see a doctor?

Most people will not need to see a doctor to get better.

You should seek medical attention if:

• you are pregnant
• have a chronic medical condition such as:
  • asthma
  • diabetes
  • cancer
  • heart or lung problems
  • a weakened immune system
• you have emergency warning signs :: Adults
  • difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
  • confusion
  • sudden dizziness
  • severe or continuous vomiting
• emergency warning signs :: children
  • fast breathing or trouble breathing
  • fever with a rash
  • not drinking enough fluids
  • being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
  • flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
  • bluish skin color
  • not waking up or not interacting

Please contact your doctor's office or the Student Health Clinic at 296-4224 for vaccine information or if you have flu-like symptoms.

Black Hawk County Health Department

319-291-2413
publichealth@co.black-hawk.ia.us