H1N1 Influenza

Frequently Asked Questions

General

What is H1N1?

What are the symptoms of H1N1?

How can I protect myself?

What should I do if I become ill?

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What is H1N1?

H1N1 (formerly known as swine flu) is a new flu virus causing illness in people. This virus is spread from person-to-person in the same way that regular seasonal flu viruses spread.

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What are the symptoms of H1N1?

The symptoms of H1N1 are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and can 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 H1N1 flu virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.

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How can I protect myself?

Get a Flu Shot
Get vaccinated for H1N1 influenza.

Wash Your Hands
Handwashing is one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of disease. Washing hands thoroughly and frequently is important everyday, not just during an emergency such as a pandemic.

Cover Your Cough

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
• Put your used tissue in a wastebasket.

Stay Home When Sick
By staying home you can help reduce the spread of disease in the community.

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What Should I Do if I Become Ill?

If you become ill with fever and other flu symptoms like cough, sore throat, vomiting and diarrhea, you may have H1N1 influenza. Most people will recover at home with self care.

The CDC recommends that people with influenza-like illness remain at home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100° F or 37.8°C) or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.

Visit the CDC Web site site for more advice about symptoms, warning signs, treatment and caring for a sick person.

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Page updated February 4, 2010