What are the signs and symptoms of the H1N1 virus in people?

The symptoms of the new H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Also, like seasonal flu, severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus, especially in persons with chronic medical conditions.

How severe is this new H1N1 virus?
Illness with 2009 H1N1 virus has ranged from mild to severe. While most people who have been sick have recovered without needing medical treatment, hospitalizations and deaths from infection with this virus have occurred throughout the United States. As with seasonal flu, there are certain people who are at higher risk of serious flu-related complications. This includes people age 65 years and older, children younger than five years old, pregnant women, and people of any age with chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma and kidney disease. Of note, CDC estimates of the numbers of 2009 H1N1 cases, hospitalizations and deaths reveal that people younger than 65 years of age are more severely affected by 2009 H1N1 flu relative to people 65 and older compared with seasonal flu.

How does this new H1N1 virus spread?

Spread of this 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 by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes.

How long can an infected person spread this virus to others?

With seasonal flu, studies have shown that people may be contagious from one day before they develop symptoms to 5 to 7 days after they get sick. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods. The CDC is studying the virus and its capabilities to try to learn more and will provide more information as it becomes available.

Is there a vaccine available?

Yes, we have vaccines available to prevent H1N1 flu, as well as seasonal flu. A flu vaccine is by far the most important step in protecting against flu infection. The 2010 flu vaccines will likely have seasonal and H1N1 vaccines combined.

Are there medicines to treat infection with the H1N1 virus?
Yes. The CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with the new H1N1 flu virus. 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. These medications are also effective against seasonal flu.

Can I get infected with this new H1N1 virus from eating or preparing pork?
No, H1N1 viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get this new HIN1 virus from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.

How long can the influenza virus remain viable on objects (such as books and doorknobs)?
Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for up to eight hours or longer after being deposited on the surface.

What kills influenza virus?
Influenza virus is destroyed by heat (167-212°F or 75-100°C). In addition, several chemical germicides, including chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soap), iodophors (iodine-based antiseptics), and alcohols are effective against human influenza viruses if used in proper concentration for a sufficient length of time. For example, wipes or gels with alcohol in them can be used to clean hands. The gels should be rubbed into hands until they are dry.

What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated 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, for example, and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.

How should waste disposal be handled to prevent the spread of influenza virus?
To prevent the spread of influenza virus, it is recommended that tissues and other disposable items used by an infected person be thrown in the trash. Additionally, persons should wash their hands with soap and water after touching used tissues and similar waste.

What household cleaning should be done to prevent the spread of influenza virus?
To prevent the spread of influenza virus it is important to keep surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, kitchen counters and toys for children) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label.

How should linens, eating utensils and dishes of persons infected with influenza virus be handled?

Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but importantly these items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first. Linens (such as bed sheets and towels) should be washed by using household laundry soap and tumbled dry on a hot setting. Individuals should avoid “hugging” laundry prior to washing it to prevent contaminating themselves. Individuals should wash their hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub immediately after handling dirty laundry. Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap.

Can I get 2009 H1N1 influenza from my pet?

While pets can get H1N1 flu, available evidence suggests that transmission had been from ill humans to their companion animals. No evidence is available to suggest that animals are infecting humans with H1N1 virus.