eNewsletter - November 2009

What is H1N1 (Swine) Flu?

Recently, the United States Department of Health and Human Services declared a public health emergency in regards to the H1N1 (swine) flu virus. The World Health Organization (WHO) has increased the H1N1 flu pandemic alert level to phase 6. A pandemic is an outbreak of an illness that is sudden and that covers a large geographic area, such as a continent or the whole world. In this case, the pandemic is global.

The H1N1 virus has been reported in countries throughout the world. Cases of H1N1 flu in the United States have been identified and confirmed by lab testing. Currently, H1N1 flu has caused significant illness and deaths around the world.

What is the H1N1 flu?

The H1N1 flu is a very contagious respiratory disease in pigs that is caused by a virus. Normally, viruses of this type are confined to pigs. It is possible, however, that H1N1, a particular strain of swine flu virus, has mutated. While scientists are not exactly sure how it happens, H1N1 has spread to humans and is continuing to be spread by human-to-human contact.

What are the symptoms of the H1N1 flu in humans?

The symptoms of the H1N1 influenza are similar to the symptoms of other seasonal types of influenza virus, including:

• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Body aches
• Headache
• Chills
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Sometimes, pneumonia or respiratory failure
• Worsening of existing physical conditions

People with H1N1 flu might be slightly more likely to experience the gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting, etc.) than people with the usual forms of the flu.

How is the H1N1 influenza diagnosed?

Because of its similarity to other forms of influenza, H1N1 flu cannot be diagnosed only on the basis of symptoms. Your health care provider will take a sample of mucus from your throat or mucus that has been coughed up. The doctor will send the sample to a laboratory for testing.

How is the H1N1 flu treated?

In general, H1N1 flu is treated in the same manner of as other influenza viruses. It is advisable to stay at home and rest, take over-the-counter products such as acetaminophen for pain and fever, and drink plenty of fluids.

The prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) and zanamivir (Relenza®) have been found to be effective against the virus. For these drugs to be most effective, they should be taken within one to two days of the start of symptoms. In addition, some health care providers might prescribe these drugs to the infected person's family members or others living in close contact with the person in order to prevent the virus from spreading.

Antiviral drugs may not stop the infection entirely, but they may provide significant relief from symptoms. In addition, they may also stop you from developing complications of the flu.

How is the H1N1 flu spread?

The H1N1 flu can be spread to humans from infected pigs. It can also be transmitted among people in the same way that other influenza viruses are spread: coughing and sneezing that sprays droplets of infected material into the air and onto surfaces. This infected material may be breathed in by others. In addition, people may get the virus by touching infected droplets on hard surfaces and then touching their eyes, noses, or mouths.

If I get the H1N1 flu, how long am I contagious?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the infectious period for a confirmed case of H1N1 flu is one day prior to the start of the illness through seven days after the illness starts. Also, your fever should be gone.

Can I get the H1N1 flu from eating pork?

No. It is safe to consume pork or pork products that have been adequately processed and prepared. Pork should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F.

How can I protect myself and others against infection?

You can help protect yourself against infection by the H1N1 flu virus and other viruses by:

• Washing your hands frequently with soap and water. If soap and water is not available, use alcohol-based cleaners.
• Staying away from sick people. If you are sick, you should stay away from other people as much as possible.
• Not touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Covering your mouth with tissues when you cough or coughing into your shirt rather than your hands. Dispose of the tissues, and then wash your hands.
• Getting the H1N1 flu vaccine.

If you have symptoms of H1N1 influenza or any other type of flu, you should contact your health care provider, especially if you want to get a prescription for antiviral drugs. In addition, it is very important to contact your health provider if you have symptoms and:

• You have recently traveled to Mexico or to other locations that have had confirmed cases of the H1N1 flu. Many U.S. states have had confirmed cases.
• You have been in contact with someone who has traveled to Mexico or other locations that have had confirmed cases of H1N1 flu.
• You are having difficulty breathing.
• You cannot stop vomiting.
• You are experiencing an extreme change in behavior or in your mental state.

For more information, visit Cleveland Clinic's Center for Specialized Women's Health.

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