JMU - H1N1 Flu FAQs
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H1N1 Flu FAQs
Questions
- Is H1N1 influenza the same as seasonal flu?
- How does the virus that causes novel H1N1 influenza spread?
- How can I protect myself from getting sick?
- What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1 in people?
- How long does the virus last?
- How long is the illness contagious?
- What should I do if I have flu-like symptoms?
- Can the flu be treated with antibiotics?
- I’ve heard about antiviral medicine. What does it do?
- Is JMU getting the vaccine for the H1N1?
- How safe is the vaccine for H1N1?
- Who can get the vaccine for H1N1?
- How much does it cost?
- How is the vaccine given?
- What about the 1976 swine flu vaccine deaths?
- Is mercury in the vaccine?
- Is this a deadly flu illness?
- Can household cleaning help prevent transmission?
- Where can I find more information?
Answers
Is H1N1 influenza the same as seasonal flu?
No. Seasonal flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by different flu viruses than novel H1N1 influenza. Seasonal flu occurs every year, most often during the winter and early spring. Seasonal flu most severely affects people 65 years and older, while novel H1N1 influenza is currently being seen most frequently in children and young adults between the ages of 5 and 24 years old. In addition, a new vaccine is available every year to help prevent seasonal flu.
How does the virus that causes novel H1N1 influenza spread?
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined that novel H1N1 influenza spreads from person to person, in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Influenza viruses are thought to spread from person to person in respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes. This can happen when droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person are propelled through the air and deposited on the mouth or nose of people nearby. Influenza viruses may also be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets on another person or an object and then touches their own mouth or nose (or someone else's mouth or nose) before washing their hands. Health officials are currently studying how easily novel H1N1 influenza spreads between people.
How can I protect myself from getting sick?
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Or cough/sneeze into your sleeve.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people. In a group setting, try to stay 6 feet away from individuals with flu-like illness.
What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1 in people?
- Fever (higher than 100 degrees)
- Chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Body aches
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Some have reported: diarrhea and vomiting
How long does the virus last?
Severe symptoms last 2-3 days with the entire illness resolving in about 7 days.
How long is the illness contagious?
1 day before getting sick to 5-7 days after.
What should I do if I have flu-like symptoms?
- Stay home and limit contact with others in your household as much as possible.
- Rest, drink plenty of fluids and take medications that you typically use to treat flu-like symptoms, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
- Use good respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette, which means that you:
- Carefully cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue every time you cough or sneeze. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your sleeves or upper arm.
- Dispose of used tissues immediately into a covered trash receptacle
- Perform hand hygiene (wash your hands with non-antimicrobial soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or antiseptic handwash if hand washing is not possible) after contact with secretions from the nose and mouth and potentially contaminated objects or materials.
- Avoid having visitors. If visitors must enter your home, they should avoid close contact with you.
- Stay home or in your room for 24 hours after your fever is gone (under 100) without medication.
Can the flu be treated with antibiotics?
NO. A small percent of people may have an infection after the flu (10-14 days later) and would need to be evaluated for this treatment.
I’ve heard about antiviral medicine. What does it do?
There are two antiviral medicines that could be used in serious (usually hospitalized) cases of influenza, oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) and zanamivir (Relenza®). Their effect is minimal; may reduce fever by one degree, and may shorten the illness by one day.
Is JMU getting the vaccine for the H1N1?
Yes, JMU will have the vaccine when it becomes available through the Public Health Department, expected in mid or late October. We will advertise when and where it will be administered. We will also have the flu shots for the seasonal flu as we have in past years. Both vaccines will be available for students, faculty, and staff. Information will be disseminated when we receive the vaccines.
How safe is the vaccine for H1N1?
It is produced in the same way the seasonal flu vaccine is made, and that has not had significant risks for serious side effects for many years.
Who can get the vaccine for H1N1?
The CDC has identified five groups for priority: Pregnant women, children and adolescents from 6 months of age to 24 years of age, persons who live with or care for children under 6 months, healthcare and emergency workers, and persons age 24 to 65 who have health conditions putting them at higher risk for complication. Others may receive the vaccine if availability increases as expected.
How much does it cost?
The vaccine will be free to the public but an administration fee is allowed and will be set by the government. It is anticipated that insurances may cover the administration fee.
How is the vaccine given?
It is an injection in the upper arm. A second dose, 3 to 4 weeks later, will probably be advised. (The second dose is not needed for children over the age of 10 or adults.)
What about the 1976 swine flu vaccine deaths?
That production was hurried, virology and technology have improved greatly, but there were 40 deaths after 40 million doses were given. There is no guarantee for the 2009 vaccine, but the CDC and FDA are very strict about this production, testing and final decisions on delivery and administration.
Is mercury in the vaccine?
There is a very small amount of thimerosal (a mercury containing antiseptic) in a dose to keep the vaccine sterile. A large amount of evidence now shows that mercury in these amounts is not a health risk.
Is this a deadly flu illness?
No, the H1N1 influenza (originally called “swine” flu) is no more serious (and probably less so) than the yearly seasonal flu. However, those with chronic health problems may develop complications and should seek treatment from their family practitioner.
Can household cleaning help prevent transmission?
Yes. To help prevent transmission, clean frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, refrigerator handle, toilet seat and handle. Clean all hard surfaces, for example, bedside tables, bathroom surfaces and children's toys, with a standard household disinfectant. If surfaces are visibly dirty, use a household cleaner first, then a disinfectant. Wash your hands with soap and water after cleaning surfaces and items.
Where can I find more information?
Three web sites have the latest information:
Updated June 29, 2011
Flu Resources
