Information on H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)
FAQs on H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) for Parents

What can I do to protect myself and my family from H1N1 Flu?
To help stop the spread of germs:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
• Put your used tissue in the waste basket.
•  Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing
• Wash with soap and water OR clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner.

•  Stay home from work or school.
• Get lots of rest, drink plenty of liquids, and avoid using alcohol and tobacco.
• There are over-the-counter (OTC) medications to relieve the symptoms of the flu (but never give aspirin to children or teenagers who have flu-like symptoms, particularly fever).
• Remember that serious illness from the flu is more likely in certain groups of people including people 65 and older, pregnant women, people with certain chronic medical conditions and young children.
• Consult your doctor early on for the best treatment, but also be aware of emergency warning signs that require urgent medical attention.

What treatments are available – like Tamiflu?
If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within two days of symptoms).  These drugs must be prescribed by your physician.

If my child or I exhibit symptoms, should we go to an ER?
If your child becomes ill with influenza-like symptoms, you should first contact your primary health care provider before taking your child to the ER. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed. Also be aware of emergency warning signs that require urgent medical attention.

What are some Emergency Warning Signs?
Seek emergency medical care if you or someone you know is having any of following warning signs discussed below.

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

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• 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
• Fever with a rash

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

Should children be kept home from school or day care?
If a child is sick, the CDC recommends that he or she remain at home to keep from infecting others.

Is there a vaccine available?
There is currently no vaccine available for the H1N1 flu virus.

If I got the flu shot, is it effective against this flu?
The CDC has maintained that this year’s flu shot is not effective against the H1N1 flu virus.

How long can an infected person spread this flu to others?
People with this infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possibly for up to seven days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

Can I get the H1N1 flu from eating or preparing pork?
No.  These viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get the H1N1 flu from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.

More information on the H1N1 flu is available via the CDC website.