H1N1 Virus

What is H1N1 Virus?

H1N1 flu is a respiratory disease caused by the type A influenza virus. It is a new influenza virus causing illness in people worldwide, and it was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses
spread. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe.

The Symptoms of H1N1 Virus....

The symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to seasonal influenza and include fever with cough and/or sore throat. Some people with flu have also reported body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, diarrhea, and vomiting.

How to know if someone got H1N1 flu or seasonal flu.

It will be difficult to determine if someone who is sick has the new H1N1 flu virus or seasonal flu because the symptoms are very similar. Given the worldwide presence of H1N1 flu, federal and state health officials are not recommending laboratory tests to determine in all cases whether an ill person has H1N1 flu. Because it will be difficult to determine if someone has H1N1 flu or seasonal flu, anyone who has flu-like symptoms should stay away from others and should follow self-isolation instructions until they have been without a fever for 24 hours in order to prevent the spread of illness.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

It is important to practice good hygiene at all times, and there are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and properly dispose of the tissue. If you do not have a tissue, sneeze or cough into the bend of your arm rather than into your hands to reduce the spread of germs.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth to prevent the spread of germs.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

Is there Vaccine to help to against this h1n1 virus?

An H1N1 vaccine has been developed. H1N1 Flu Vaccines have started to arrive at Student Health Services in small quantities for students. The currently available vaccine is the intra-nasal version, which is not recommended for individuals with allergies to eggs or pre-existing medical conditions (i.e. pregnant women, adults with chronic medical conditions such as asthma or diabetes, or individuals with immunosuppression). At this time Student Health Services is offering free H1N1 vaccine for students without pre-existing medical conditions as described above, and are 24 years of age or younger. Faculty and staff should contact there primary care provider to discuss whether they should recieve the H1N1 vaccination.