H1N1 Questions & Answers

Q & A NOVEL H1N1 INFLUENZA VACCINE

	What are the plans for developing novel H1N1 vaccine? Working together with scientists in the public and private sector, CDC has isolated the new H1N1 virus and modified the virus so that it can be used to make hundreds of millions of doses of vaccine. Vaccine manufacturers are now using these materials to begin vaccine production. Making vaccine is a multi-step process which takes several months to complete. Candidate vaccines will be tested in clinical trials over the next few months.
	When is it expected that the novel H1N1 vaccine will be available? The novel H1N1 vaccine is expected to be available in the fall. More specific dates cannot be provided at this time as vaccine availability depends on several factors including manufacturing time and time needed to conduct clinical trials.
	Will the seasonal flu vaccine also protect against the novel H1N1 flu? The seasonal flu vaccine is not expected to protect against the novel H1N1 flu.
	Can the seasonal vaccine and the novel H1N1 vaccine be given at the same time? It is anticipated that seasonal flu and novel H1N1 vaccines may be administered on the same day. However, we expect the seasonal vaccine to be available earlier than the H1N1 vaccine. The usual seasonal influenza viruses are still expected to cause illness this fall and winter. Individuals are encouraged to get their seasonal flu vaccine as soon as it is available.
	Who will be recommended as priority groups to receive the novel H1N1 vaccine? CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunizations Practices (ACIP) has recommended that certain groups of the populations receive the novel H1N1 vaccine when it first becomes available. These key populations include pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old, and people ages of 25 through 64 years of age who are at higher risk for novel H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.
	Where will the vaccine be available? Every state is developing a vaccine delivery plan. Vaccine will be available in a combination of settings such as vaccination clinics organized by local health departments, healthcare provider offices, schools, and other private settings, such as pharmacies and workplaces.

Q & A NOVEL H1N1 INFLUENZA

	What is novel H1N1 (swine flu)? Swine influenza is a respiratory (nose, lungs) illness of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses. People do not typically get swine flu, but infections do happen. In the past, swine flu has been reported to spread from person to person, but was limited.
	Are there human infections with novel H1N1 virus in the U.S. ? Yes. Human infections with the new H1N1 virus are ongoing in the United States . Most people who have become ill with this new virus have recovered without requiring medical treatment. CDC routinely works with states to collect, compile and analyze information about influenza, and has done the same for the new H1N1 virus since the beginning of the outbreak.
	Have there been swine flu cases in Ohio ? Cases of H1N1 are in Ohio including Lucas County .
	What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu? The symptoms of swine flu 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 swine flu. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
	How does swine flu spread? Transmission of swine influenza A viruses is similar to the way that seasonal flu is spread. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
	What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination? Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands. Some viruses and bacteria can live two hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks.
	How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others? Infected people may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to seven or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to seven days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
	How long should those who are sick with influenza-like illness stay away from others? CDC recommends that people with influenza-like illness remain at home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100°F [37.8°C]), or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.
	Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork? No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.
	Is treatment available for swine flu? Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body.
	What should I do if I get sick? If you live in areas where swine influenza cases have been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing to treatment is needed. If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others. If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.

In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

1. Fast breathing or trouble breathing

2. Bluish skin color

3. Not drinking enough fluids

4. Not waking up or not interacting

5. Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held

6. Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

7. Fever with a rash

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

1. Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

2. Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

3. Sudden dizziness

4. Confusion

5. Severe or persistent vomiting

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick? There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

1. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

2. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

3. Wash you hands often with soap and water, especially when you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

4. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

5. Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Last modified: 08/19/2009