H1N1 Influenza

H1N1 Influenza Outbreak Information

b00528_h1n1_flu_blue_med Since April 2009, Novel H1N1 has been reported in all 50 states in the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Novel H1N1 outbreaks are ongoing in parts of the U.S., in some cases with intense activity. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.

PAs should advise persons with febrile respiratory illness to stay home from work or school, and limiting contacts with others to keep from infecting others in their communities. Symptoms from such an illness include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with the H1N1. This virus is spreading from person-to-person without regard for borders, race or ethnicity. However, children have been more likely to be identified as infected with this virus compared to older adults.

PAs should emphasize good personal hygiene practices to lessen the spread of respiratory illness at home or at work.

Hand washing

Wash hands often
Before and after preparing food or eating
After using the restrooms
Before and after touching your nose, eyes, or mouth
After touching items that may have been exposed to body fluids
Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Use alcohol-containing hand gels if hand washing facilities are not readily available

Respiratory etiquette

Sneeze or cough into a tissue and then throw used tissues into trash
If you tissues are not available, cough and sneeze into your elbows/shoulders, not your hands

For the latest up-to-date information, clinical guidance and travel advisories go to http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/.

Questions and answers about the 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine can be found here.

The Office of Minority Health has a dedicated page to H1N1 including informational documents translated into many languages.

Additional information on H1N1 and seasonal influenza can be found at Flu.gov.

Detailed information on the H1N1 investigations can be found in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports Dispatch.

Information on the global situation for H1N1 can be found at the WHO web site.