(Updated: October 8, 2009)
Please read the following publications from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
More About the H1N1 Flu and Pandemic Outbreaks:
In recent years, concern has been raised about the possibility of what is called a “pandemic” – or worldwide – flu outbreak. Previously, the focus was on avian (bird) flu. Now, the concern is about a virus that was first identified in the United States in spring 2009. This new strain is called Novel A H1N1 (previously referred to as swine flu). This new strain of influenza is thought to be a unique combination of bird, pig and human flu viruses. It is spread from one person to another (not by coming into contact with birds or pigs).
The World Health Organization (WHO) determines whether an outbreak of influenza is indeed a pandemic. In the case of H1N1, WHO has declared this to be pandemic flu as the outbreak has occurred in more than 70 countries worldwide, and the virus is spread by human-to-human contact.
What is a pandemic flu?
Pandemic flu is caused by a new influenza (flu) virus that people have not been exposed to before, that has been identified in many countries worldwide, and that spreads from human-to-human contact. This unique strain of H1N1 meets those requirements. It first showed up in the United States in late March and early April 2009 in southern California and in Texas.
What are the differences between seasonal flu and pandemic flu?
Seasonal flu is caused by influenza viruses that flair up every fall and spring. The types of flu viruses vary each year, but the various strains are not new.
- Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, chills, fatigue, runny nose, and, in some cases, nausea and vomiting and/or diarrhea.
- Although healthy adults are usually not at risk for serious complications, the very young, the elderly and those with certain underlying health conditions can be.
- Seasonal flu generally causes modest impact on society (for example, school closings).
- A vaccine to combat seasonal flu is available every year.
- Everyone over the age of 6 months (including pregnant women) is encouraged to have their annual seasonal flu shot.
A pandemic flu differs as follows:
- It is likely to be more severe, and it may affect more people and cause more deaths because people will not have immunity.
- Symptoms are similar to the common flu, but they may be more severe and complications more serious.
- Healthy adults may be at increased risk for serious complications.
- A severe pandemic could change the patterns of daily life for some time. Travel and public gatherings could be limited. Basic services and access to supplies could be disrupted.
- The flu vaccine for the current season does not provide protection against the initial pandemic flu.
While the symptoms are similar to seasonal flu, the H1N1 flu differs as follows:
- It appears to be more severe in children and young adults; those over age 65 appear to be at less risk.
- A severe pandemic flu such as H1N1 could change the patterns of daily life for some time. Travel and public gatherings could be limited. Basic services and access to supplies could be disrupted.
- The seasonal flu vaccine does not provide protection against H1N1. A vaccine designed specifically for H1N1 is expected to be available this fall (most likely in late October). It will take time to produce enough vaccine for everyone who wants it. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) will determine who should get the vaccine first. Target groups include pregnant women, people who live with or care for children 6 months or younger, healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old, and people ages 25-64 years of age who are at higher risk because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems. This target list will be modified based on availability of the vaccine, with priority given to pregnant women, young children and their caregivers, young adults with chronic medical conditions, and healthcare/emergency medical care providers. Watch for details in the news media or talk with your doctor as the vaccine is made available.
Can H1N1 be treated?
Fortunately, most people with H1N1 (as with other types of flu) are responding to either of two antiviral medications – Tamiflu and Relenza – that are available with a doctor’s prescription if indicated. Most people in the United States who were among the first to be diagnosed with this flu recovered without treatment, however.
What can I do to protect myself and my family?
The CDC recommends the following steps be taken:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze (or cough into your elbow or upper sleeve). 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 are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you get sick with the flu, call your doctor. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Also, watch the news and check websites listed at the end of this information for updates on where not to travel and other ways of preventing being infected with this new (or any other) flu.
How can I prepare for a pandemic, should this situation worsen?
While this is not a time to panic, it is wise to consider what you would do if this particular swine flu worsens. As with hurricanes, our community has learned the value of being prepared. Here are some tips that you can use:
- Plan for the possibility that service providers — such as hospitals and other healthcare facilities, banks, stores, restaurants, government offices and post offices — may be disrupted.
- Consider how to care for people with special needs in case the services they rely on are not available.
- Prepare backup plans in case public gatherings, such as volunteer meetings and worship services, are canceled.
- Ask your employer about how business will continue during a pandemic. Find out if you can work from home.
- Check with your employer about leave policies. Plan for the possible reduction or loss of income if you are unable to work or your place of employment is closed.
- Schools may be closed for an extended period, so plan lessons, games and activities that your children can do at home.
- Consider child care needs and talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick, or what will be needed to care for them in your home.
- Think about your transportation needs during a pandemic. For example, you’d want to avoid public transit. Consider other ways to get to work if you can’t work from home.
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Once a major outbreak has been identified, store a supply of water and food to last your household for at least 10 days.
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Have prescription and nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes and vitamins.
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Stay as healthy as possible. Eat a balanced diet, including plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole-grain products. Drink lots of water and go easy on salt, sugar, alcohol and saturated fat. Exercise on a regular basis and get plenty of rest.
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Get vaccinated for seasonal flu and, when available, the H1N1 flu (based on CDC guidelines).
If you still feel anxious, here are some tips that may help:
- Take responsibility for educating yourself about what is really happening in the nation and around the world in order to distinguish fact from rumor.
- Avoid speculation — it fuels anxiety.
- Confirm your sources. See if stories are being broadcast by other news stations. Check legitimate online news sites to confirm reports, including the Associated Press.
- Pay attention to the details of the news stories. If something isn’t explicitly stated, then its implication may be false.
- Because watching too much news coverage can cause or heighten anxiety, take a break from the news and participate in a stress-relieving activity such as going for a walk.
For more information, check out the websites below. Tell your friends and families that this information is available at www.baptisthealth.net.
Centers for Disease Control -- http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ ; for Spanish,
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/espanol/; or call 1-800-CDC-INFO;
World Health Organization – www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html
Florida/Miami-Dade County Health Department – http://www.doh.state.fl.us/DEMO/php/FluInfo.htm