H1N1 Flu Newsletter

H1N1 flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses. People do not normally get H1N1 flu, but human infections can and do happen. H1N1 flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.

Transmission
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that both the symptoms and transmission of this virus from human to human are much like seasonal flu, which is spread mainly through coughing or sneezing of infected people. Sometimes people may become sick by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

Symptoms
Signs of H1N1 flu are also like the signs of regular human flu -- including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and tiredness. Some people with H1N1 flu have diarrhea and vomiting as well. In the past, severe illness (such as pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with human H1N1 flu. Also know that just like seasonal flu, H1N1 flu can cause a worsening of underlying chronic health conditions.

Prevention
While there is no vaccine available to protect against H1N1 flu, there are everyday precautions you can take to help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Following are some steps recommended by the CDC to protect your health, as well as that of your family and other people with whom you come into contact:

• 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. Wash for at least 30 seconds or sing "Happy Birthday" as you wash your hands. 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.
• If you get sick with influenza, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Treatment
The CDC recommends the use Tamiflu^® (oseltamivir) or Relenza^® (zanamivir) for the treatment of H1N1 influenza viruses. These drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms). If you feel that you or a family member are developing signs of the flu, get in touch with your doctor for advice on how to proceed.

The New York State Department of Health has set up a call center to handle questions from the public about H1N1 flu. They may be reached at 1-800-808-1987. For more information on H1N1 flu, please view the following Web sites:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
• New York State Department of Health