H1N1 Information Links
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August 14, 2009
Letter to the Public From the Placer County Health and Human Services Department Regarding the H1N1 Virus
What is H1N1 Flu?
H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. Other countries, including Mexico and Canada, have reported people sick with this new virus. This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of H1N1 Flu?
The symptoms of H1N1 (swine) flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with H1N1 (swine) flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with H1N1 (swine) flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 (swine) flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
How Can I Prevent Getting or Spreading H1N1?
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.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or cough into your elbow. Throw used tissue in the trash.
What Should I Do If I Get Sick?
If you become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people, except to seek medical care. If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone (without the use of fever-reducing medicine) except to get medical care or for other necessities. |
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| Information and Resources for Specific Groups |
Here are some links to good information about the H1N1 virus and how to protect your family. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
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