H1N1 Influenza
Also known as Novel N1H1, N1H1 Flu, and Swine Flu
H1N1 is a new flu virus that was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009
. The virus spreads from person-to-person, the same way that regular flu spreads. So far, most of the illness caused by H1N1 strain has been mild in New Mexico.
Signs and Symptoms of N1H1
The symptoms of H1N1 flu in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include:
- Fever (100°F or above)
- Cough
- Sore Throat
- Runny Or Stuffy Nose
- Body Aches
- Headache
- Chills
- Extreme Tiredness
A significant number of people, particularly children, who have been infected with H1N1 have reported diarrhea and vomiting.
Symptoms of H1N1 usually appear one to three days after exposure.
People at risk for developing serious complications from H1N1 influenza are:
- Pregnant women
- Young children
- People with chronic medical conditions such as:
- Asthma
- Diabetes
- Suppressed Immune Systems
- Heart Disease
- Kidney Disease
- Neurocognitive & Neuromuscular Disorders
- Obesity
Adults over age 65 appear to be protected against H1N1 influenza.
If You're Sick
Anyone sick with influenza-like symptoms should stay home and avoid contact with other people until they feel well enough to return to work or school and have not had a fever for 24 hours. For severe illness that includes fever, cough, sore throat, chills and fatigue, or for people at high risk for flu complications, contact a health care provider or seek medical care. Health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed.
H1N1 Treatment
Some antiviral medications may be effective to reduce the severity of H1N1 influenza. Rest, liquids and over-the-counter medicine are the usual treatments. Antibiotics will not cure the flu. Aspirin should not be given to children with influenza because of the possibility of causing a complication called Reye syndrome.
Emergency medical care
In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish or gray skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
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
Take these everyday steps to protect yourself from N1H1:
People can spread this to others starting one day before they develop symptoms to up to seven days after they get sick. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
- 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. 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.
Masks are not recommended for the general public as prevention from getting sick with H1N1influenza. Masks are used in healthcare settings on people who are already sick to prevent them from spreading the virus to others.
H1N1 Vaccine
The CDC has been told that H1N1 vaccine may be available as early as mid-October, but it could be later in the fall/winter. The New Mexico Department of Health is planning for mass shot clinics to protect people against H1N1 and seasonal flu. Vaccine may be available from your personal doctor.
The following subgroups will be the first to receive H1N1 vaccine:
- Pregnant women;
- Household and caregiver contacts of children less than 6 months old;
- Health care and EMS personnel with direct medical contact with patients or infectious material;
- Children 6-59 months of age;
- Children <19 years of age with chronic medical conditions that put them at increased risk of complications due to influenza;
- Adults <65 years old who are at risk for complications from influenza due to chronic health conditions or compromised immune systems;
As more vaccine becomes available, more people will be vaccinated.
Don’t forget to get the regular (seasonal) flu shot in addition to the H1N1 shot
View Scheduled Flu Shot Clinics
Everyone will need a separate shot to protect against seasonal influenza. The Department of Health and private healthcare providers will have vaccine available for seasonal influenza in the early fall. The Department of Health provides free influenza vaccine in public health offices in every county to people who are uninsured and can’t get vaccine elsewhere. The City of Albuquerque will be offering free shot clinics to all employees starting in October.
More questions about H1N1?
Call the toll-free H1N1 Hotline 1-877-304-4161(H1N1)
