Health Education

The following information is taken from the web page of the US Center for Disease Control (CDC)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON SWINE FLU (H1N1)

WHAT IS THE SWINE FLU?
H1N1 (swine flu) is a type of influenza (flu) virus that causes respiratory disease that can spread between people. Most people infected with this virus in the United States have had mild disease, but some have had more severe illness, and there has been at least one death. Young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic diseases like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease may be at higher risk for complications from this infection. More information about who may be at higher risk will be available when more is known about the disease. There are steps you can take to protect your family and to know when to seek medical care.

HOW DO HUMANS CATCH THE SWINE FLU?
Humans can contract the swine flu much as they do human influenza (type B) or bird flu (type A): through contact with airborne respiratory secretions. Usually this has to be through close contact.

WHAT TYPE OF VIRUS IS THIS?
This version of swine flu has been classified as an H1N1type A virus. It should be noted that the 1918 Spanish flu was also an H1N1 virus, but there are subtle differences. The vaccine for the seasonal flu vaccine will not protect those who received it against this virus.

HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF?
Flu viruses spread from person to person mainly through the coughing or sneezing of a sick person. Flu virus may also be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with the virus and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. We think H1N1 (swine flu) spreads the same way as other flu viruses. Right now, there is no vaccine to protect against H1N1 (swine flu), but there are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like H1N1 (swine flu):
• Frequently wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
• Always stay at least six feet away from people who are sick.
• Children who are sick should stay home from school and daycare and stay away from other people until they are better.
• If you are not feeling well stay home; never send your child to school or daycare when they are ill.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
In most children, the symptoms of H1N1 (swine flu) are similar to the symptoms of regular flu. They include: Fever; Cough; sore throat; body aches; headache; chills and fatigue. Occasionally, vomiting and diarrhea.
Young children may not have typical symptoms, but may have difficulty breathing and low activity. Little is known about how H1N1 (swine flu) may affect children. However, we think the infection may be similar to other flu infections. Typically, flu infections cause mild disease in children, but children under 5 years old are more likely to have serious illness than older children. Although rare, severe respiratory illness (pneumonia) and deaths have been reported with flu infections in children. Flu infections tend to be more severe in children with chronic medical conditions.

WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION?
For more information call 1-800-CDC INFO, or go to http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu