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The
worldwide spread of the H1N1 virus during the spring of 2009 was both rapid and
unusual as it affected some countries outside of the timeframe
of a normal flu season. While most people who have become ill with the H1N1
virus have recovered without needing medical treatment, hospitalizations and
deaths have occurred.
3. How
does H1N1 spread?
The H1N1 flu
and seasonal flu spread in much the same way. Flu viruses spread mainly from
person to person when people with influenza cough, sneeze, or touch things that
others touch.
People
infected with the H1N1 virus can spread it to others one day before symptoms
develop and up to seven or more days after becoming ill. That means that you may
be able to pass
the flu to someone before you know you are sick and after you start to feel
better.
4. How
serious is the H1N1 flu threat?
The H1N1
virus is a potentially serious health issue for families, schools and businesses
across the country and world. The federal government estimates that 30 to 50
percent of the country’s population could become infected by H1N1 influenza this
fall and winter.
Individuals
with underlying chronic health conditions may be more vulnerable to the H1N1
influenza virus. While it is uncertain exactly how widespread or severe the H1N1
flu virus
will be, there are simple things people can do now to help prevent and prepare
for H1N1.
5. What
should I do to keep from getting the H1N1 flu?
The American
Red Cross and government health officials recommend that people use common sense
public health practices to reduce the spread of both the H1N1 virus and the
seasonal flu virus. These include:
· Cover mouth
with tissues when coughing or sneezing; if no tissue is available cough into
your elbow
· Wash hands
frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that has
an alcohol content of 62 percent or greater
· Avoid touching
eyes, nose, mouth and surfaces that may be contaminated
· Stay in good
general health by getting sufficient sleep, being physically active, managing
stress, drinking plenty of fluids and eating nutritious foods
· Minimize
contact with people who are sick
· Stay home if
you become sick
6. How
can I prepare for a possible resurgence of H1N1 flu?
Following
the three basic preparedness steps – get a kit, make a plan, and be informed –
can help individuals and families be prepared. People can store extra supplies
that may be needed at home (get a kit). Ask about school and employer’s plans,
and have a plan in place
in case it’s necessary to stay at home for an extended period of time (make a
plan). Find out how public health officials will communicate if the threat
becomes widespread (be informed).
7. What
is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?
Washing
your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water,
or clean with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. The Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you wash your hands with soap and warm
water for at least
20 seconds. Teach children to sing “Happy Birthday” twice
when washing hands to know
how long to wash and to keep them engaged.
When soap
and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel
sanitizers with 62 percent alcohol content or greater may be used. You can find
them in most supermarkets and drugstores. When using gel, rub your hands until
the gel is dry. The gel
does not need water to work as the alcohol content kills
germs on hands.
8. How
long can viruses live outside the body?
Some
viruses and bacteria can live from 2 to 8 hours on surfaces like cafeteria
tables, bus poles, doorknobs and desks. Frequent hand washing and disinfecting
of commonly handled surfaces with household cleaners will help you reduce the
chance of contamination from these sources.
9. What
should I do if I get sick?
If you
become ill with flu-like symptoms including fever, coughing, body aches, runny
nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, you should stay home and avoid
contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your
illness to others.
If you
have severe illness or are at high risk for flu complications, the CDC
recommends that you contact your health care provider or seek medical care. Your
health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed.
If you or
your child becomes ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek
emergency medical care.
In children,
emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
·
Fast breathing
or trouble breathing
·
Bluish or gray
skin color
·
Not drinking
enough fluids
·
Severe or
persistent vomiting
·
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
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
·
Flu-like
symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Vaccines
10. Is
there a vaccine for the H1N1 flu?
Vaccines
for the H1N1 flu are being developed and tested, and the CDC has indicated that
the vaccines could be available in October. The CDC has recommended that
vaccination
efforts initially focus on five groups considered most vulnerable:
· Pregnant women
· People who live
with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
· Healthcare and
emergency medical services personnel
· Young people
between 6 months and 24 years of age
·
People aged 25
through 64 years at higher risk to experience flu-related complications because
of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems
11. How
many shots do I need of the H1N1 flu vaccine?
According
to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) persons 10 years of age and older will
only need one dose of the H1N1 vaccine. Initial studies indicate that children 9
years of age and younger may need two doses of the H1N1 vaccine. However,
currently it is unclear the length of time that’s needed in between doses for
children.
12.
Does the H1N1 vaccine protect against the seasonal flu?
No. The
H1N1 and seasonal flu viruses are different, and people will need to get
separate vaccinations for each flu strain. It is recommended that people get the
seasonal flu shot when it becomes widely available in September.
13.
What is the difference between a vaccine and an antiviral?
Vaccines
are usually given as a preventive measure. Viral vaccines are usually made from
killed or weakened versions of the live virus or pieces of the virus that
stimulate an immune response to the virus. Once immunized with the weakened
strain, the body produces antibodies that more effectively protect it from
overall infection.
Antivirals
are prescription drugs that decrease the ability of flu viruses to reproduce.
While getting a flu vaccine each year is the first and most important step in
protecting against flu, antiviral drugs are a second line of defense in the
prevention and treatment of flu. Your health care provider will determine if
antivirals are appropriate for your situation.
Pandemic Flu
14. The
H1N1 flu has been labeled a global pandemic. What does that mean?
In June
2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the flu alert to its highest
level, declaring H1N1 influenza a global pandemic. According to the WHO,
increasing the alert to Phase 6 signifies that this flu has spread throughout
communities in multiple countries. This does not necessarily mean the virus is
causing more severe illness.
15.
When have pandemics occurred in the past?
Past
influenza pandemics have led to high levels of illness, death, social
disruption, and economic loss. There were three influenza pandemics in the 20th
century. The 1918 influenza pandemic caused at least 500,000 deaths in the
United States and up to 40 million deaths worldwide. The 1957 influenza pandemic
caused at least 70,000 deaths in the U.S and between 1 million and 2 million
deaths worldwide. The 1968 influenza pandemic caused about 34,000 deaths in the
U.S. and 700,000 deaths worldwide.
16. Is
the H1N1 flu pandemic going to be as widespread?
Public
health officials do not know how severe the H1N1 flu outbreak will be. The
initial cases of H1N1 during the spring of 2009 were comparatively mild. The CDC
and other health experts are watching to see if the virus mutates into something
more virulent during the fall. The severity of disease and the number of deaths
caused by a pandemic virus vary greatly.
The
federal government estimates that the H1N1 virus could produce infection in
30-50 percent of the population this fall and winter. Of the infected
population, half would seek medical attention and 20 to 40 percent would show
symptoms. At present, the H1N1 virus seems milder than the past pandemic strains
but the total number of people infected is producing significant illness
worldwide.
Preparing for Potential Worldwide Outbreak
17.
Should I keep extra food and water in my home?
Yes.
Stocking extra food, water and supplies at home will reduce the need for anyone
who does get the virus to need to be in public during a local flu outbreak. This
reduces the potential spread of the virus.
18. How
long should I plan for extra supplies and water?
If
possible, store a two-week supply of food, water and household necessities such
as disinfectants, medications, soap, tissues, thermometers, hand sanitizer and
personal care items. Store one gallon of water per person per day in clean,
plastic containers. Avoid using containers that can decompose or break, such as
milk cartons or glass bottles.
Family
preparation steps should also include storing food and diapers for babies, food
for special nutritional needs, essential medicines and medical items, and extra
food for pets.
19.
Should I plan to go to work if the H1N1 flu becomes widespread?
Take the
opportunity now to look into plans in your workplace for employees who get sick
during a widespread flu outbreak. Ask your employer about sick-leave plans to
allow staff to stay home when ill or caring for sick loved ones. Ask to see
plans for how the business will function if key staff are unable to come to
work. Inquire into special considerations regarding sick leave, benefits and
wages when there is a widespread outbreak in the community and employees are
asked by public officials to remain at home.
20.
Should my children go to school or day care during a H1N1 flu outbreak?
The CDC
says that children should stay home if they have a flu virus and not return to
school until they have not had a fever for 24 hours. In advance of major threat,
parents should be reviewing the plans at their child’s school or day care and
asking under what conditions the school would close if the flu were to become
widespread in the community.
21. Who
will care for me if I become ill?
Plan now
to care for yourself or loved ones who get the flu. Gathering the supplies you
need ahead of time will allow you to provide care at home. Decide how the person
will be cared for, which may mean that you or someone else in the household will
need to stay home from work, school or other activities. If care needs exceed
the capacity of an individual household, seek assistance from healthcare
providers.
Coping with Widespread H1N1
Flu Outbreak
22. How
can I prepare mentally and emotionally for a widespread flu outbreak? I’ve never
experienced anything like this.
It is okay
to be concerned about the H1N1 flu outbreak. Consider how you have successfully
handled challenging times in the past. Identifying these strengths will help you
cope with the stress that can result from flu pandemic. Staying informed of
risks and making advance preparations can provide you and loved ones with peace
of mind.
23. How
can I be social and stay in touch with people during a serious flu outbreak
without the risk of spreading the flu?
During a
flu pandemic you may be asked to limit your face-to-face contact with other
people. Remember that there are a number of different ways to stay connected
with friends and family such as by telephone, mail and the Internet. When you
encounter others during a flu pandemic, use common sense and follow guidance
from local public health officials to decrease the chance of spreading the
virus.
24.
Where can I get help during a widespread and serious flu pandemic?
Individual
and family preparation is essential when you cannot depend on the services you
may normally use. Follow the basic preparedness steps and ask the organizations
your family relies upon about flu plans. Emergency medical services will
continue to be available during a pandemic. More information on preparedness and
the flu can be found at
www.redcross.org
and
www.flu.gov.
Resources
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For more detailed information and ongoing updates go to:
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC):
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu
Washington State Department of Health:
http://www.doh.wa.gov/h1n1
American National Red Cross:
http://www.redcross.org
Public Health
Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department:
http://www.tpchd.org/page.php?id=482
Thurston County Public Health and Human Services:
http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/health/personalhealth/influenza/swineflu.html
Mason County:
http://www.co.mason.wa.us/forms/Health/what_to_do_about_the_flu.pdf
Lewis
County:
http://lewiscountywa.gov/publichealth/public-health-blog
Grays Harbor County Public Health and Social Services Departmen:
http://www.healthygh.org/page.aspx?id=428558
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