Novel H1N1
Flu (Swine
Flu)
What is novel H1N1 flu?
· Novel H1N1 (known in the
past as “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.
What are the signs
and
symptoms of novel H1N1 flu
in people?
· Fever · Headache
· Cough · Fatigue
· Sore throat · Chills
· Body aches
Some people have also reported diarrhea
and
vomiting.
How does novel H1N1 virus spread?
· The
virus is spread from person to person by coughing and/or sneezing.
· A person can also get the virus
by
touching something with flu virus on it and then touching their
eyes, mouth, and/or nose.
Can I get novel H1N1 flu from eating or preparing pork?
No. You cannot get novel H1N1 flu from eating pork or pork products.
How long can
an infected person spread
the virus?
· Infected people may be able to infect others
starting one (1) day before symptoms develop and up
to seven (7) or more days after becoming sick.
· You may be
able to pass on the flu to someone
else before you know you are
sick, as well as while
you are sick.
Can novel H1N1 flu be treated?
Yes. If you have flu symptoms, please visit your doctor for proper medication and treatment.
Is there a vaccine
to
prevent the
novel H1N1 flu?
· No, but
a vaccine is
being prepared.
· You can find more information about novel H1N1 flu vaccine at
www.flu.gov.
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
· You can take
the following steps to protect your health:
o Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue
in the trash after you use it.
o Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
Alcohol-based hand cleaners
are also effective.
o Avoid touching your eyes, nose
and
mouth; germs spread this
way.
o Avoid close contact with sick
people.
o If you get sick, stay home from work or
school and limit contact with others.
What should
I do if I get sick?
· If
you have fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea, you
should contact your doctor.
· If
you are sick with flu-like
illness, the
Centers for Disease Control
and
Prevention
recommend
that you stay home for at least 24 hours
after your fever is gone except to get
medical care or other necessities. Your fever should be gone
without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.
· Avoid contact
with other people as much as
possible.
Should
I go
to work if a family member
at home is sick?
· Employees who are
well but who have an ill family member at home with novel H1N1 flu can go
to work as usual. These employees
should monitor their health every day, and take precautions
including: washing their hands
often with soap and water, especially after they cough or sneeze.
Where can
I find more information about the Novel H1N1 flu?
· CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu
· NJDHSS: http://www.state.nj.us/health/er/h1n1
24-hour toll-free information line: 1-866-321-9571
Information adapted from:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm
United States Department of Health and Human Services http://www.flu.gov/vaccine/vacresearch.html#campaign
August 2009