The 2009 H1N1, sometimes called the swine flu, is a new influenza causing illness in people.
First detected in the United States in April 2009, the virus is spreading from person to person across the globe.
The H1N1 virus is contagious and illness has ranged from mild, to severe to some deaths from infection with this virus.
In seasonal flu, certain people are regarded as high risk because of serious complications.
The same is true for the H1N1 virus.
The list of those at high risk includes pregnant women, children younger than 5, and those with certain chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma and kidney disease, adults and children who have a weak immune system, and men and women over 65.
The flu vaccine is the first and most important step in protecting against flue infection.
Whether or not you have had the vaccination you should still follow these general rules to prevent infection for yourself and your family.
Keep away from others as much as possible so that you do not make them sick.
Other important steps to take: Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so or someone in your family becomes sick.
You need a supply of over the counter medicines plus tissue and other items so you do not need to make trips in public while your are contagious.
If you have a family member at home who is sick with 2009 H1N1 flu, you can go to work as usual.
However, you should monitor your health every day and take precautions such as washing your hands when you leave your home.
Washing your hands seems to be the best technique for preventing the spreading of the germs.
Wash with soap and water for 15 to 20 seconds.
If you do not have soap and water, use alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers but rub your hands until they are dry.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of N1H1 in People? The symptoms of the 2009 H191 flue virus include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, aches, headache, chills and fatigue.
Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea.
Others are infected without a fever.
The following are emergency warning signs that indicate medical care is needed quickly: For children:
First detected in the United States in April 2009, the virus is spreading from person to person across the globe.
The H1N1 virus is contagious and illness has ranged from mild, to severe to some deaths from infection with this virus.
In seasonal flu, certain people are regarded as high risk because of serious complications.
The same is true for the H1N1 virus.
The list of those at high risk includes pregnant women, children younger than 5, and those with certain chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma and kidney disease, adults and children who have a weak immune system, and men and women over 65.
The flu vaccine is the first and most important step in protecting against flue infection.
Whether or not you have had the vaccination you should still follow these general rules to prevent infection for yourself and your family.
- Take these everyday steps to protect your health.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. - Wash you hands often with soap and water.
If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
I keep a small hand rub in the car and use it whenever I get back into the car from a meeting, the office equipment or grocery store, a friend's home and especially a doctor's office. - Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Those are the best ways to spread germs. - Keep frequently touched common surfaces in your home clean such as telephones, computer equipment, and bathroom doorknobs.
- Avoid contact with sick people if you can.
- Avoid using phones of other people, desks, offices or other work tools and equipment.
If it is necessary consider cleaning them first with a disinfectant.
Keep away from others as much as possible so that you do not make them sick.
Other important steps to take: Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so or someone in your family becomes sick.
You need a supply of over the counter medicines plus tissue and other items so you do not need to make trips in public while your are contagious.
If you have a family member at home who is sick with 2009 H1N1 flu, you can go to work as usual.
However, you should monitor your health every day and take precautions such as washing your hands when you leave your home.
Washing your hands seems to be the best technique for preventing the spreading of the germs.
Wash with soap and water for 15 to 20 seconds.
If you do not have soap and water, use alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers but rub your hands until they are dry.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of N1H1 in People? The symptoms of the 2009 H191 flue virus include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, aches, headache, chills and fatigue.
Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea.
Others are infected without a fever.
The following are emergency warning signs that indicate medical care is needed quickly: For children:
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish skin color
- Dehydration
- Sleepy and not interacting
- Irritable
- Flu symptoms improve but then return more severely
- Fever with a rash
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Vomiting
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