Cold and Flu

H1N1 (Swine Flu)

How is H1N1 spread?

Spread of this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

• You cannot get H1N1 from eating pork products.

What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1 in people?

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

What You Can Do to Stay Healthy

There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.

• 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 hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

• Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
• If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

What to do if you feel sick

• If you are running a fever over 100.4 degree's and have a cough and or sore throat then go home until your fever breaks without the use of a fever reducing medication (i.e. tylenol). If you are unable to go home then you must remain self isolated in your room until your fever breaks. IF you have any questions, Health Services will be able to provide more information.
• If you are sick it is very important that you stay home and get some rest to help prevent the spread of germs.
• Drink plenty of fluids such as water, juice, chicken broth.
• Wash your hands, cover your cough and sanitize your living space if you share a room with someone else.

For more information on the H1N1 please visit:

• The CDC H1N1 information and updates http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/general_info.htm

As always, please make sure that your source of information regarding the H1N1 is reputable and be cautious when viewing blogs, twitters and other websites which may not have valid information.