About H1N1 Influenza

What You Need to Know

The H1N1 flu can be spread easily from person to person. In the summer, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised its alert on H1N1 to the highest level – a global pandemic – although the WHO defined it as "moderate" in severity. The WHO noted that the overwhelming majority of people will suffer only mild symptoms – including fever, aches and pains, sore throats, coughing and trouble breathing – and will recover fully.

As a service to our patients and the community at large, Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals have compiled some helpful information about the H1N1 flu – along with some important new guidelines about visiting patients who have the H1N1 flu.

How Are Swine, Avian, Pandemic and Seasonal Flu Different?

• Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs.
• Avian flu is caused by avian influenza viruses, which occur naturally among birds.
• Pandemic flu is flu that causes a global outbreak, or pandemic, of serious illness that spreads easily from person to person.
• Seasonal flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses.

To find out about availability of the H1N1 vaccine, contact your physician's office or the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. Since supplies are limited, vaccination will be given out according to the CDC guidelines.

Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) site

Visit the Philadelphia Department of Public Health site

Signs and Symptoms

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu activity is now widespread in 48 states, and visitors to physicians for influenza-like illness continue to increase steeply. Additionally, flu-related hospitalizations and deaths are also on the rise.

It's important to monitor yourself and your loved ones for the following flu-like symptoms:

• Fever (greater than 100° F or 37.8° C)
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Stuffy nose
• Chills
• Headache and body aches
• Fatigue

If You Have Symptoms

• If you develop symptoms of influenza-like illness, do not go to work, school or other public places until you are fever free – without the use of medication – for 24 hours.
• Promptly seek medical attention if you have a medical condition that places you at higher risk of flu-related complications. Examples include pregnancy and other underlying health conditions, such as severe asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and/or immune deficiency.
• Treat your symptoms:

Fever. Fever is the most common flu symptom. To treat your fever, keep your room cool, wear lightweight clothing, drink plenty of fluids (such as water, diluted fruit juices or Gatorade/Powerade) and take acetaminophen or ibuprofen per label instructions. Do not take aspirin. Fluid intake is key to prevent dehydration.

Cough. A dry cough is a cough that doesn't bring up much mucous. Drink lots of clear liquids and avoid alcohol, caffeine and cigarettes. Rest and soothe your throat with salt-water gargles (one-half teaspoon salt in 8 ounces warm water) or cough lozenges.

Body aches/headache. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen will also help relieve body aches and/or headaches. Follow label directions.

• As much as possible, isolate yourself – staying home and away from other people until you are fever free (again, without the use of medication) – for 24 hours.
• Seek emergency care immediately if you develop severe symptoms, including increased fever, shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, fast breathing, bluish skin color, severe or persistent vomiting, sudden dizziness, confusion or flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse – cough.

Be Prepared

While you hope for the best, it's always wise to plan for the worst. With that in mind, consider taking the following steps in case of an emergency:

1. Periodically check your prescription drugs to ensure a continuous supply. Your health plan may allow you to refill prescriptions earlier than usual.
2. Stock up on over-the-counter medications and other health and hygiene supplies. You may wish to purchase:

   o Pain relievers
   o Stomach remedies
   o Cough and cold medicines
   o Fluids with electrolytes
   o Vitamins
   o Thermometers
   o Soap and/or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
   o Toothpaste
   o Tissues
   o Toilet paper
   o Cleaning products
   o Gloves and masks

3. If you can't get to a store – or if stores run out of certain products – it will be important for you to have your own supplies on hand. Of course, this type of preparation can be useful in other types of emergencies as well, such as power outages and natural disasters. (Visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for a full checklist of supplies.)

What to Do to Avoid the Flu

Here are some simple steps you can take to help avoid the flu:

• When you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue (and then throw the used tissue right in the trash!). If you don't have a tissue, use your upper sleeve. Above all, don't sneeze or cough into your bare hands.
• Wash your hands often, but especially after you cough or sneeze. To wash, use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand gel.
• Keep your living area clean. Frequently clean commonly used surfaces, such as doorknobs, refrigerator handles, remote controls, computer keyboards, countertops, faucet handles and bathroom areas.
• Don't share drinks, food, toothbrushes or eating utensils.

Talk to your healthcare provider to find out if you should be vaccinated for seasonal flu and/or H1N1 flu.