Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a number of different flu viruses. Originally referred to as swine flu, the H1N1 is a new Type A viral strain that first appeared in April 2009. The virus quickly spread worldwide, reaching pandemic proportions on June 11, 2009, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Prevention
The H1N1 flu is a contagious illness and is spread from person to person via coughing, sneezing or talking by an infected individual. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends several guidelines to prevent the spread of the 2009 H1N1 virus. Frequent hand washing with soap and warm water is the easiest and best way to prevent the spread of the virus. Covering mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, staying home if flu-like symptoms are present and getting the H1N1 vaccine are all ways to prevent the spread of the flu.
Signs and Symptoms
The severity of H1N1 virus symptoms vary from mild to severe. Fever, chills, fatigue, coughing, sore throat and sneezing are signs of an H1N1 infection. Vomiting and diarrhea may also occur. Most people begin felling better within two weeks, according to the CDC.
Vaccine
The CDC recommends the 2009 H1N1 vaccine for everyone, and it's available as a needle shot to the arm or nasal spray. The flu shot is recommended to everyone 6 months and older while the nasal spray is only recommended for non-pregnant individuals ages 2 to 49.
Medication
Tamiflu and Relenza are the only two antiviral prescription medications recommended by the CDC for the treatment of the H1N1 flu virus. The medications shorten sickness time by one to two days, relieve symptoms and prevent serious flu complications.
Sick with H1N1 Flu
If an individual has a mild case of the H1N1 flu, the CDC recommends the individual stay home and rest, drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, avoid close contact with others and treat the fever or cough with over-the-counter medications. It is recommended that the person stay home at least 24 hours after the fever has subsided. Consult a physician if symptoms are severe or the victim is pregnant, over 65 or under 5 years of age.
Statistics
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates between 41 and 84 million worldwide cases of the 2009 H1N1 flu virus occurred from April 2009 to Jan. 16, 2010. Of these cases, between 183,000 and 378,000 required hospitalization, and between 8,330 to 17,160 deaths were attributed to the H1N1 flu.
