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H1N1 - Swine Flu
General Information

H1N1 - WHAT IS IT?

• H1N1 which is also called Swine Flu or Novel H1N1 is a new flu virus. This new flu virus is a mixture of bird, human and several different swine viruses.

WHERE DID IT COME FROM?

• The first case of H1N1 (Swine Flu) is believed to have occurred in Mexico on 3/17/09, but some believe the virus may have first appeared as early as September 2008.
• The first lab confirmed case in the United States occurred on 4/15/09.
• By June 2009, H1N1 had spread to all 50 states. One June 11th the World Health Organization (WHO) declared an H1N1 (Swine Flu) pandemic. This was not because the virus had become more deadly, but because it had spread throughout the world.

HOW IS SWINE FLU SPREAD

• H1N1 (Swine Flu) is spread through the air from person to person when someone coughs or sneezes.
• The virus can also be spread by touching contaminated surfaces, such as doorknobs and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes.

IS SWINE FLU IN LAFAYETTE COUNTY?

• Yes, H1N1 (Swine Flu) is in Lafayette County. This virus can be anywhere and is believed to be very widespread.
• Because H1N1 (Swine Flu) is very widespread doctors are no longer doing laboratory testing unless the patient is hospitalized or there is an outbreak of connected cases.
• The Centers for Disease Control estimates that there have been one million cases in the United States. (7/29/09)
• Florida estimates that there have been more than 60,000 cases. (7/29/09)

CAN I GET SWINE FLU?

• Although anyone can get H1N1 (Swine Flu) infection, some people are more likely to get it than others.
• Also, some people are at greater risk of complications from the H1N1 (Swine Flu) virus, including:
  • Children less than 5 years of age
  • Pregnant women
  • People 25-64 years of age with a chronic medical condition, such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes

WHAT CAN I DO TO PROTECT MYSELF AND MY FAMILY?

• Stay away from people who are coughing or sneezing or seem sick.
• Wash your hands frequently with warm soapy water.
• Use an alcohol based hand sanitizer if you don't have soap and water; keep one at your desk, in your car, in your pocket or pocket book.
• Cover your cough/sneeze with tissue and throw the tissue in the trash can. IF you don't have a tissue, cough/sneeze into your elbow NOT into your hands.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS

• The symptoms of H1N1 (Swine Flu) are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu, and include:
  • Fever more than 100 degrees
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Body aches
  • Chills
  • Fatigue - feeling very tired
  • Diarrhea and vomiiting

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I THINK I HAVE SWINE FLU?

• If you think you have H1N1 (Swine Flu), contact your doctor and follow his/her directions.
• Stay home from work or school if you have H1N1 (Swine Flu) or think you have the symptoms. Do not go back to work or school for at least 24 hours after your fever stops.
• If you are at risk for complications from H1N1 (Swine Flu), your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication, such as Tamiflu or Relenza. Follow your doctor's directions.

IS THERE A VACCINE TO PROTECT ME?

• A vaccine against H1N1 (Swine Flu) is currently being developed and tested in the United States and other countries.
• The vaccine is expected to be available around November, 2009.
• The Lafayette County Health Department is preparing a vaccine plan for residents of the county.

WHO SHOULD GET THE VACCINE?

• This vaccine is voluntary and if you have any questions about whether you should receive the vaccine contact your doctor.
• The CDC has identified 5 priority groups to receive the vaccine, as follows:
  • Health care and emergency service personnel
  • Pregnant women
  • Parents and caregivers of children less than 6 months old
  • Persons 6 months to 24 years
  • Persons 25-64 with chronic medical conditions

WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?

• If you would like more information contact the Lafayette County Health Department at (386) 294-1321.
• The CDC is also an excellent resource for the latest information on H1N1 (Swine Flu) and can be accessed by clicking the link below. This link will take you directly to the CDC H1N1 web page: CDC H1N1 web page.