FAQs - Important information about H1N1 flu
With the upcoming availability of seasonal-flu shots and the recent approval of a swine flu vaccine, there are more questions than ever about this year's flu season-from how many shots to get to whom should get them and when. We address these questions and more.
- What is H1N1 (swine flu)?
- What are the signs and symptoms?
- Will the seasonal flu shot protect me from swine flu?
- How many shots should I get this year?
- Who should be getting the shots?
- When will the swine flu vaccine be available?
- How can I avoid getting the flu?
- Where can I find more information about swine flu?
Q: What is H1N1 (swine flu)?
H1N1 flu, also known as "swine flu," is a newly identified virus that can spread from people who are infected to others through coughs and sneezes. When people cough or sneeze, they spread germs through the air or onto surfaces that other people may touch. Most people who have become ill with this new virus have recovered without requiring medical treatment. There have been 9,079 hospitalizations and 593 deaths from laboratory confirmed swine flu in the United States. The number of deaths from the swine flu is comparable to the seasonal flu, as swine flu is not more severe than seasonal flu.
Q: What are the signs and symptoms?
The symptoms of the swine flu virus 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.
Q: Will the seasonal flu shot protect me from swine flu?
No, the seasonal flu shot does not protect against the swine flu virus. The seasonal flu vaccine protects against three other flu viruses. The swine flu vaccine does not replace the seasonal flu vaccine. It is important that people get their seasonal flu shot in order to have maximal protection against the flu.
Q: How many shots should I get this year?
Health officials anticipate the swine flu vaccine will require one shot. The vaccine currently is in trials in various cities, including Seattle. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have found no serious side effects from the trials.
Q: Who should be getting the shots?
The seasonal flu and the swine flu vaccines have different target groups. Seasonal flu vaccines are recommended for anyone older than 65, children between 6 months and 18 years old and anyone with chronic medical conditions (such as cancer and asthma). These populations are more likely to suffer complications caused by the flu.
For swine flu, those at higher risk include pregnant women, persons with chronic health conditions, health care workers, people in close contact with infants, and people 6 months to 24 years old. After these groups, the vaccine will be made available to the general public.
Unlike seasonal flu, people older than 65 are actually less likely to contract the swine-flu virus. About one-third of older adults already have antibodies against the virus. They should get the swine flu vaccine only after higher-risk groups have been vaccinated.
Q: When will the swine flu vaccine be available?
Officials are saying the vaccine will be available in mid-October, when they expect to have a limited number of doses delivered. State and local public-health departments will determine how to get the vaccine first to those at highest risk of complications from the virus, and then to those who are at less risk.
Q: How can I avoid getting the flu?
If you have symptoms of the flu, practice social distancing by wearing a mask, avoiding crowded areas such as elevators or public transportation.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water or apply hand gel, especially after you cough or sneeze.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
Get vaccinated for swine flu (available mid-October) and seasonal flu.
Q: Where can I find more information about swine flu?
General Swine Flu Information »
Personal Preparedness for Pandemic »
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