Although this new virus is called "swine flu," it is not transmitted from pigs to humans, or from eating pork products. Like other respiratory diseases, it is spread from person to person through coughs and sneezes. When people cough or sneeze, they spread germs through the air or onto surfaces that other people may touch.

Is H1N1 flu virus contagious?

The CDC has determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human.

How does swine flu spread?

Swine influenza A (H1N1) virus appears to be spreading in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are mostly spread from one person to by coughing or sneezing of an infected person. Sometimes people get infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

How does someone with the flu infect someone else?

Influenza spreads person-to-person mainly through coughing or sneezing of infected people. Infected people may infect others beginning at least one day before symptoms develop and up to seven or more days after becoming sick. You can pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

People with swine flu should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possibly for up to seven days after the start of getting sick. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods. Sick people are most contagious while they have a fever and for the 24-hour period after the fever has gone away.

The symptoms of H1N1 flu in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people with H1N1 flu also reported diarrhea and vomiting. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Similar to seasonal flu, swine flu may make chronic medical conditions worse.

When should I seek medical care?

Use the same judgment you would use during a typical flu season. Do not seek medical care if you are not ill or have mild symptoms for which you would not ordinarily seek medical care. If you have more severe symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat, body aches or are feeling more seriously ill, call your health care provider to discuss your symptoms and if you need to be evaluated.

If the following flu-like symptoms are mild, medical attention is not typically required.

●Runny nose or nasal stuffiness
●Low-grade fever for less than 3 days
●Mild headache
●Body aches
●Mild stomach upset

If you get sick with influenza

●If you get sick, Tazewell County Health Department strongly recommends that you stay home from work or school so you can get better and keep others from getting sick.
●Also, if you get sick with influenza, remain at home and avoid contact with others until you've had no fever for 24 hours.

Yes, the antiviral oseltamivir or zanamivir (brand names Tamiflu and Relenza) can treat infection with H1N1 influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within two days of symptoms).

How do I get Tamiflu or Relenza?

Health care providers can prescribe Tamiflu or Relenza after examining a patient and determining that person is sick enough to need the medication. Do not try to buy Tamiflu or Relenza from companies offering the drugs online without a prescription. If your doctor prescribes Tamiflu for you, do not give your medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

To date, the severity of the H1N1 flu outbreak appears to similar to a regular winter flu season. Make decisions about going to large gatherings as you would during a winter flu outbreak. If you want to do everything you can to avoid catching H1N1 flu virus, then avoid large gatherings. It is especially important not to participate in group gatherings if you are ill or have symptoms of influenza.
 

The H1N1 influenza vaccine does not protect against seasonal flu. Public Health recommends that everyone at risk for seasonal flu, including seniors, gets the seasonal flu vaccine.