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HOT TOPICS IN HEALTH
H1N1 INFLUENZA
Original post: 4/27/09
last update: 10/1709
NEW * NEW * NEW *
(for the NJCU Community)
Self- Reporting if Influenza-Like-Illness (ILI)
Go to your GothicNet Account
Look for:
Voluntary H1N1/ Influenza Like Illness (ILI) Notification System
H1N1 Regional Update: The New Jersey State Department of Health has opened a toll-free, 24-hour hotline to answer questions from the general public and New Jersey health care providers (about Swine Flu - H1N1). Depending upon the current status of H1N1 infections in New Jersey, the hotline may or may not be operational.
The hotline number is 1-866-321-9571
New Jersey Updates:
New Jersey State Department of Health & Senior Services:
Global Updates:
What is H1N1 and why is it called (swine flu)? Swine Influenza - H1N1 is historically a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus. Humans (in the past) typically did not get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. There was an outbreak of human swine flu cases in Mexico in Spring 2009 and within a few weeks began to be reported in the United States. The virus has been responsible for loss of life, but not as much as is associated with regular seasonable influenza. Is the H1N1 virus contagious? The Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta (CDC) has determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human.
What is the best way to keep from spreading H1N1?
There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. If you get sick with influenza, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. DO NOT GO TO WORK OR SCHOOL IF YOU ARE ILL! On August 5, 2009, the CDC changed its recommendation related to the amount of time people with influenza-like illness should stay away from others (the exclusion period). New guidance indicates that people with influenza-like illness must stay home for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone (without the use of fever-reducing medicine). A fever is defined as having a temperature of 100° Fahrenheit or 37.8° Celsius or greater. Other recommendations include: 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 hand cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way. Try to avoid close contact with sick people. Those with underlying medical conditions such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, taking immuno supressive drugs needs to be especially concerned about possible infection with H1N1. In addition to the steps noted above, persons at high risk , including pregnant women, should see their health care provider at the first signs of illness.
I heard that President Obama has declared a “State of Emergency”, isn’t that serious? In a statement released on Sunday, April 26th, 2009 the White House maintains that “ It is not a time to panic”. Declaring a state of emergency permits the United States to begin a heightened state of preparedness and surveillance. It also releases emergency funds to be directed towards these efforts. What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1 flu ? The symptoms of H1N1 are similar to the symptoms of regular seasonal 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 H1N!. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions. How does 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. How long can an infected person spread H1N1 to others? People with H1N1 influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Persons can also be possibly contagious a day before symptoms appears. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods. What should I do to keep from getting the flu? First and most important: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Are there medicines to treat H1N1 flu?
Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir (Tamiflu and Relenza) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms). I got my “flu shot” this year. Will that protect me from H1N1? The CDC has released information indicating that tests of the seasonal vaccine and the new virus show no cross-reaction, suggesting that people who got the flu vaccine this year have no added protection against the new bug. What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination? Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.
How long can viruses live outside the body?
We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent handwashing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces. What can I do to protect myself from getting sick? A H1N1 vaccine is current in production by several different pharmacuetical companies. Vaccine will be purchased by the Federal Governement and will be available in late October or November to protect against H1N1. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water. or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. we recommend that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands. What should I do if I get sick? If you live in areas where H1N1 cases have been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed. If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others. If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care. In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
How serious is H1N1 infection?
Like seasonal flu, H1N1 can vary in severity from mild to severe. To date, H1N1 has been classified as mild in comparison to the regular deasonal flu. Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork? No. Swine (H1N1) influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.
More Information on the web and by phone:
For more facts about influenza, and more information about H1N1, please visit some of these specific resources:
New Jersey State Department of Health & Senior Services:
http://www.state.nj.us/health/
New York City Health Department Swine Flu Information http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/home/home.shtml Facts about flu http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/cd/cdinflu.shtml
New Jersey State Department of Health
The hotline number is 1-866-321-9571 New York State Department of Health Swine flu hotline 1-800-808-1987 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
World Health Organization (WHO)
http://www.who.int/en/
General information about swine flu http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/general_info.htm Swine Flu Case Definitions http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/casedef_swineflu.htm Swine Flu Infection Control and Patient Care http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/guidelines_infection_control.htm Preventing the Flu http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits.htm Acknowledgements: Various sources have been used to prepare the above information including: The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), The World Health Organization(WHO), Hudson Regional Health Commission, New York City Department of Health, and various media outlets Carolyn L. Hunter , RN, BC, BSN |
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