Student Health Center

What is Novel H1N1 Flu 

Background

On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a global pandemic of novel influenza A (H1N1) was underway.  At the time, more than 70 countries had reported cases of novel influenza A (H1N1) infection and there were ongoing community level outbreaks of novel H1N1 in multiple parts of the world.

Since the WHO declaration of a pandemic, the new H1N1 virus has continued to spread, with the number of countries reporting cases of novel H1N1 nearly doubling. The Southern Hemisphere’s regular influenza season has begun and countries there are reporting that the new H1N1 virus is spreading and causing illness along with regular seasonal influenza viruses. In the United States, significant novel H1N1 illness has continued into the summer, with localized and in some cases intense outbreaks occurring. The United States continues to report the largest number of novel H1N1 cases of any country worldwide, however, most people who have become ill have recovered without requiring medical treatment.

Given ongoing novel H1N1 activity to date, CDC anticipates that there will be more cases, more hospitalizations and more deaths associated with this pandemic in the United States over the summer and into the fall and winter. The novel H1N1 virus, in conjunction with regular seasonal influenza viruses, poses the potential to cause significant illness with associated hospitalizations and deaths during the U.S. influenza season.

General Information

What is H1N1 Influenza?

Novel H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This virus was originally referred to as “swine flu” because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs (swine) in North America. But further study has shown that this new virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs.  This new virus contains genes from swine flu, and one gene from both avian (bird) flu and human flu.

CDC has determined that novel H1N1 virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human.  Spread of novel H1N1 virus is thought to occur in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something – such as a surface or object – with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

What are the Signs and Symptoms?

The symptoms of novel H1N1 flu virus in people 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 this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.

How can I protect myself?

• Keep yourself in good health. This includes getting a seasonal flu shot, eating a healthy diet, exercising, and not smoking.
• Practice infection control measures now. Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly.
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer frequently. 
• Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue; dispose of the tissue and wash your hands.
• Avoid close contact with others who are ill.

How should I prepare for a Pandemic?

• Develop a communications plan with your family. Create a list of important contacts and discuss alternative ways to communicate if necessary. This might include prearranged meeting places or communication through a third party, such as a relative. If you live on campus, discuss with your family when and how you might leave campus in the event of an emergency.
• Have an Emergency Kit ready to leave campus quickly if needed. This should include important documents, some food and water, prescription medications, change of clothes, and a means of getting important information, such as a hand crank radio.
• If you live at home, begin to collect extra food and water so that you could stay at home for a period of at least two weeks. Make sure you don’t run low on prescription medications or other essential personal items.
• Be prepared to listen and follow the instructions of emergency response personnel during an emergency. Lives can be lost when people don’t work together during an emergency.

What to do if you get sick:

• Go home and stay there until at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care and for necessities.
• Staying at home means that you should not leave your home except to seek medical care. This means avoiding normal activities, including work, school, travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings.
• Stay away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.

• In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
  • Sudden dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Severe or persistent vomiting
  • Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze using your arm and sleeve or a tissue, then discard the tissue.  Do not use your hands to cover your mouth.

What to do if a Pandemic Emergency Occurs

Expect to stay indoors-- because H1N1 Influenza is spread so easily, you will be encouraged to avoid contact with other people.

Prepare an Expanded Emergency Kit for you and your family as soon as possible

Other Resources

Go to the CDC Web site to find out more.