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H1N1 Flu Central: What You Need to Know
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H1N1 and Seasonal Flu: The Basics
There are two kinds of influenza (flu) to be aware of this fall: seasonal flu, which comes around in a slightly different form every year, and a new type of flu, H1N1 (formerly referred to as swine flu, though it is not caused by contact with pigs or pork).
The big difference between H1N1 and the seasonal flu is the fact that the H1N1 virus is new, and so most of us don't have any immunity to it. Consequently it can spread easily from person to person.
The major symptoms of both types of flu are a fever with a cough and often a sore throat and a runny nose. Flu is not the "stomach flu" people sometimes refer to, although some upset stomach symptoms can accompany the other symptoms. It is a potentially serious respiratory illness.
SEASONAL FLU can cause moderate to severe symptoms and even sometimes death, especially in the elderly and those with other underlying health issues, such as heart disease, lung disease, asthma, kidney disease, liver disease, metabolic disease such as diabetes, or anemia.
Health officials are advising people to get their seasonal flu shots now. However, many local healthcare providers are reporting temporary shortages of the seasonal vaccine. Check with your local clinic about availability, and if you or the family member you are calling for have higher risk factors, make sure to let the clinic know when you call.
H1N1, the new flu, is already widespread and is likely to make many people ill this season. Most cases so far have been similar to the seasonal flu in severity. However, this new virus could change over time to become more serious. H1N1 is also affecting younger people more seriously than the seasonal flu usually does. According to figures recently provided by Dakota County Public Health, 63% of those hospitalized with H1N1 in Minnesota have been under 18, and the median age of hospitalized cases is 12.
An H1N1 vaccine (shot) will start to be available in October for people at greatest risk from H1N1:
- Children and young adults 6 months through 24 years of age.
- People who live with or care for infants younger than 6 months of age.
- Pregnant women.
- Healthcare and emergency medical service personnel.
- Adults 25 through 64 years of age who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for flu-related complications.
PREVENTION: To reduce your chances of catching or spreading either the seasonal flu or H1N1, cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your elbow and teach those around you to do the same. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Don't touch your hands to your eyes, nose or mouth before washing your hands.
TREATMENT: The primary symptoms of both seasonal flu and H1N1 are fever and a sore throat or cough. If you get sick, it is important to stay home until at least 24 hours after the fever is gone, to avoid infecting others. Treatment includes rest, plenty of clear fluids, and acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers who may have the flu; this can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye's syndrome. Antiviral medications can be helpful in the treatment and prevention of H1N1 but are not necessary in most cases. A good resource on home care of flu patients is available from the Minnesota Department of Health.
WHEN TO SEEK HELP: Most cases can be safely treated at home. However, call a healthcare provider immediately if the sick person has difficulty breathing or chest pain, has purple or blue discoloration of the lips, shows signs of dehydration, is vomiting and cannot keep liquids down, has seizures, is less responsive than usual or becomes confused, or seems to be getting better but then fever and a worse cough return.
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