H1N1 (Swine Flu) Information
H1N1 is a new virus that in its early stages was identified with pigs or swine. H1N1 flu causes respiratory illness similar to seasonal flu. Health officials are concerned because in just a short period of time this new virus has caused illness in people throughout the globe. Currently, many people have no natural immunity to this new virus and there is not yet a vaccine. So far, most people who have been ill with this virus have recovered. Health officials say that it is still too early to determine how severe this global disease outbreak (pandemic) will be especially in the coming months. Although to date the illness appears to be similar to seasonal influenza, health officials are monitoring the regular flu season which is underway in the southern hemisphere. This will help predict how severe our regular flu season will be beginning in October through the Spring of 2010. Residents are advised to stay informed of any new developments.
Confirmed human cases of infection of the new H1N1 (swine) flu have been reported in Union County. The CDC, local, county and state health agencies continue to work together to monitor influenza-like illness and investigate outbreaks when they occur.
What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1 (swine) flu in people?
The symptoms of H1N1 (swine) flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. In addition to these symptoms, some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with H1N1 (swine) flu. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 (swine) flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
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If you think you may have the flu
Seek medical care.
If you are experiencing cough, fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, sore throat, and fatigue, possibly along with diarrhea and vomiting, please stay home and contact your health care provider and discuss whether you need to be seen in their office, emergency department or stay home.
Stay home from work/school/travel.
Be prepared to stay home for 7 days or at least 24 hours after your symptoms resolve, whichever is longer. If children become ill, keep them home from school, day care or summer programs, and contact your healthcare provider. Follow medical advice and do not leave your home until you are well.
H1N1 (swine) flu IS TREATABLE.
Under a doctor’s supervision, if taken early, prescription drugs can reduce the risk of complications and shorten the length of illness. This is especially important for people with chronic health problems, as well as children under age 5 and older adults.
H1N1 (swine) flu Prevention
There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.
- 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 (sanitizers) are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
- If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Is there a vaccine for H1N1 (swine) flu?
There is currently no vaccine for H1N1 (swine) flu, though one may be developed by the CDC. If a vaccine is developed, check with your local health department for immunization clinics. In the meantime, follow the everyday actions above to help protect yourself. |
UCOHM Public Health Response
The current outbreak of H1N1 (swine flu) is being monitored very closely by the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS), and UCOHM. Regional hospitals and health departments are also united in supporting this coordinated response.
UCOHM is taking the following steps to monitor the H1N1 (swine) flu:
- UCOHM is following Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and NJDHSS guidance.
- UCHOHM has increased disease monitoring capabilities by alerting healthcare providers including sentinel flu physicians and local hospitals.
- UCOHM is also making an effort to get additional support from the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), which is a volunteer group of healthcare professionals who have been trained for potential public health emergencies.
- Additionally, UCOHM has the ability to monitor the sale of over the counter drugs, as well as emergency room visits, to detect early warning signs of increased influenza activity. To date, the H1N1 (swine) flu has been much like seasonal flu in terms of its severity, among those affected.
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