What you need to know about H1N1 (swine) flu

Update: It’s Not Too Late to Vaccinate! 

The influenza (flu) season is still young.  The H1N1 virus, also known as “swine flu,” will still be around for the next few months. Seasonal flu often increases during the winter months.  Fortunately, there is still time to get the vaccines (flu shots) that can prevent swine flu and seasonal flu. 

47 million people in the United States got the H1N1 flu between April and November 2009.  More than 200,000 people were hospitalized, and more than 9,800 people died.

The flu is unpredictable. Nobody knows if or when another wave of H1N1 flu will come. However, we do know that the flu shot is the most important step to protect against influenza.  Protect yourself, your family, and your community by getting the vaccines. 

Anyone more than 6 months old should get a vaccine for both seasonal and H1N1 flu.  If you or anyone in your family has not been vaccinated, see your doctor now.  Flu vaccines are covered for Hudson Health Plan members.

Flu -- sometimes called “seasonal flu” is a respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. H1N1 flu is different than seasonal flu. H1N1 flu was originally referred to as “swine flu” because it was thought to be very similar to flu viruses that normally occur in pigs (swine).  A seasonal flu shot will not protect you against the H1N1 flu. 

Ask your Primary Care Professional (PCP) if you should get the H1N1 flu vaccine as well as the seasonal flu vaccine

Who needs the H1N1 flu vaccine?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have recommended that certain groups receive the H1N1 flu vaccine. These groups are: 

  • Pregnant women;
  • People 6 months old  through 24 years old (infants under 6 months cannot be vaccinated);
  • People who live with or care for infants under 6 months of age;
  • People ages 25-64 years old who have certain chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, heart failure, chronic lung disease, diabetes) and people with a weak immune system (such as HIV+)
  • Health care workers and emergency medical personnel

Are there medicines for the H1N1 flu?

Yes. Your PCP may prescribe an ‘antiviral’ or ‘antiflu’ medicine. Currently, flu medicines are being used to treat people who are more likely to get complications from the flu. Your PCP will tell you if you need medicine for your illness.

How do I stay well and keep my family well?

You can reduce your risk of getting and spreading all flu viruses by: 

  • Coughing or sneezing into your arm or bent elbow or a tissue. If you use a tissue, throw it in the trash after using it.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for 15-20 seconds; use alcohol-based hand cleaners if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
  • Keep surfaces that can spread the virus clean, such as toys, doorknobs, computer mouse and keyboard, tables and counters.
  • If you are sick, stay home and rest. Do not return to school or work until you have been free of fever without medication for at least 24 hours.
  • While sick, limit close contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.

What are the symptoms of H1N1 flu?

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Body aches
  • Headache
  • Chills
  • Fatigue
  • Sometimes, diarrhea and vomiting

What should I do if I get sick, or if my child is sick?

For a mild illness with flu-like symptoms, stay home and avoid close contact with other people.

Call your PCP, explain how you or your child feels, and ask whether an examination is necessary.

People who are more likely to have complications from flu are: 

  • Children younger than 5, and especially children younger than 2 years old
  • People 65 years and older
  • Pregnant women
  • People who have cancer, blood diseases, or chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma or other lung, heart, kidney, liver, neurological or neuromuscular diseases, or weakened immune systems from AIDS. 

Important: The emergency room should be used only by people who are very sick.

What are the emergency warning signs for children?

  • Fast breathing or trouble breathing
  • Bluish skin color
  • Not drinking enough fluids
  • 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
  • Fever with a rash

What are the emergency warning signs for adults?

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
  • Sudden dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Severe or persistent vomiting

For more information, call the New York State Department of Health 24/7 Hotline:

1-800-808-1987

Go online for more swine flu information:

www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/espanol

Guidance for pregnant women: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/pregnant.htm