How is h1n1 contracted. H1N1 Flu: Transmission, Symptoms, and Prevention Strategies

30.03.202214.07.2023 by alexxlab

How is H1N1 flu contracted. What are the symptoms of swine flu. How can you protect yourself from H1N1 infection. What treatments are available for H1N1 flu.

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Understanding H1N1 Flu: Origins and Transmission

H1N1 flu, commonly known as swine flu, has evolved from its initial association with direct pig contact to become a human-to-human transmissible virus. The 2009 pandemic highlighted its global impact, and while its prevalence has decreased, understanding its transmission remains crucial.

How does H1N1 spread? The virus transmits similarly to seasonal flu:

Through airborne droplets from coughs and sneezes
By touching contaminated surfaces
Through contact with infected individuals

Infected persons can spread the virus one day before symptoms appear and up to 7 days after becoming sick. For children, the contagious period may extend to 10 days.

Recognizing H1N1 Flu Symptoms

H1N1 flu symptoms closely resemble those of seasonal flu. What signs should you look out for?

Cough
Fever
Sore throat
Nasal congestion or runny nose
Body aches
Headache
Chills
Fatigue

H1N1 may also cause gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and vomiting more frequently than seasonal flu. In severe cases, it can lead to complications such as pneumonia and exacerbate existing conditions like diabetes or asthma.

Diagnostic Procedures for H1N1 Flu

Can H1N1 flu be definitively diagnosed without laboratory testing? Unfortunately, the symptoms alone are insufficient for a conclusive diagnosis. A specific lab test is required to differentiate H1N1 from other flu strains.

The diagnostic process involves:

A nasal swab collected by a healthcare professional
Laboratory analysis to identify the specific viral strain

Who should get tested for H1N1? Testing is primarily recommended for hospitalized patients or those at high risk of severe complications, including:

Children under 5 years old
Adults 65 or older
Pregnant women
Individuals with chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems

Treatment Options for H1N1 Flu

How is H1N1 flu treated? The approach combines antiviral medications and supportive care:

Antiviral Medications

Certain antiviral drugs effective against seasonal flu also combat H1N1:

Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)
Peramivir (Rapivab)
Zanamivir (Relenza)

These medications work best when administered within 48 hours of symptom onset, but can still provide benefits if started later.

Supportive Care

Additional measures to manage symptoms include:

Over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers (avoiding aspirin in children and teens)
Rest and hydration
Monitoring for complications

It’s important to note that antibiotics are ineffective against H1N1, as it is a viral infection.

Prevention Strategies: Vaccines and Hygiene Practices

How can you protect yourself from H1N1 flu? Prevention is key, and it involves a combination of vaccination and good hygiene practices.

Vaccination

The annual flu vaccine includes protection against the H1N1 strain. Available as an injection or nasal spray, it stimulates your immune system to recognize and fight the virus.

Hygiene Practices

Complement vaccination with these preventive measures:

Frequent handwashing with soap and water (for at least 20 seconds)
Using alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap is unavailable
Avoiding touching your face, especially the eyes, nose, and mouth
Maintaining distance from sick individuals

High-Risk Groups and Special Considerations

While H1N1 flu can affect anyone, certain groups face a higher risk of severe complications. Who should be especially vigilant?

Young children (under 5 years old)
Older adults (65 years and above)
Pregnant women
People with chronic health conditions (e.g., asthma, diabetes, heart disease)
Individuals with compromised immune systems

These high-risk groups should prioritize vaccination and seek medical attention promptly if flu-like symptoms develop.

Global Impact and Surveillance of H1N1 Flu

Since the 2009 pandemic, how has the global landscape of H1N1 flu evolved? While the initial panic has subsided, ongoing surveillance remains crucial.

Post-Pandemic Monitoring

Health organizations worldwide continue to track H1N1 cases and mutations. This vigilance helps in:

Identifying new strains
Updating vaccine formulations
Preparing for potential outbreaks

Seasonal Patterns

H1N1 has integrated into the seasonal flu patterns, typically peaking during winter months in temperate climates. However, tropical regions may experience less predictable patterns.

Misconceptions and Facts About H1N1 Flu

Despite increased awareness, some misconceptions about H1N1 flu persist. Let’s clarify some common misunderstandings:

Myth: You can get H1N1 from eating pork products

Fact: H1N1 is not transmitted through properly cooked pork or other food products. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets and contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces.

Myth: The H1N1 vaccine is different from the seasonal flu vaccine

Fact: The current seasonal flu vaccines include protection against H1N1 strains. There’s no need for a separate H1N1 vaccine.

Myth: H1N1 is always more severe than seasonal flu

Fact: While H1N1 can cause severe illness, especially in high-risk groups, its severity varies. Many cases are mild and resolve without complications.

Emerging Research and Future Perspectives on H1N1

As our understanding of H1N1 flu continues to evolve, what new developments are shaping the field? Researchers are focusing on several key areas:

Vaccine Technology

Efforts to develop more effective and rapidly producible vaccines are ongoing. This includes exploring mRNA technology, similar to that used in some COVID-19 vaccines, for influenza viruses.

Antiviral Treatments

Scientists are working on new antiviral medications and improving existing ones to combat drug-resistant strains of H1N1 and other influenza viruses.

Predictive Modeling

Advanced computational models are being developed to predict flu outbreaks and virus mutations, potentially allowing for more targeted prevention strategies.

H1N1 Flu in the Context of Other Respiratory Illnesses

How does H1N1 flu compare to other respiratory infections, and what challenges does this pose for healthcare systems?

Differential Diagnosis

The similarity of symptoms between H1N1, seasonal flu, and other respiratory infections (including COVID-19) can complicate diagnosis. This underscores the importance of laboratory testing in uncertain cases.

Co-infections

Research has shown that individuals can be infected with multiple respiratory viruses simultaneously. This possibility adds complexity to treatment decisions and public health strategies.

Strain on Healthcare Resources

During peak flu seasons, the influx of H1N1 and other flu cases can strain healthcare systems. This highlights the need for robust public health infrastructure and vaccination programs.

Living with H1N1: Practical Advice for Individuals and Communities

What can individuals and communities do to coexist with H1N1 and minimize its impact? Here are some practical strategies:

For Individuals

Stay informed about local flu activity
Get vaccinated annually
Practice good hygiene consistently
Stay home when sick to prevent spread
Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or you’re in a high-risk group

For Communities

Implement public education campaigns about flu prevention
Support workplace policies that encourage sick employees to stay home
Ensure access to vaccination, especially for vulnerable populations
Maintain robust public health surveillance systems

By combining individual responsibility with community-wide efforts, we can significantly reduce the impact of H1N1 and other influenza strains.

The Role of International Cooperation in Managing H1N1

How does global collaboration contribute to managing H1N1 and other influenza threats? International cooperation plays a crucial role in several aspects:

Data Sharing

Countries and research institutions share viral samples and epidemiological data, enabling:

Early detection of new strains
More accurate vaccine formulations
Improved global preparedness

Vaccine Distribution

International organizations work to ensure equitable access to vaccines, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Coordinated Response

Global health bodies like the World Health Organization (WHO) coordinate international responses to potential pandemics, providing guidance and support to affected regions.

Technological Advancements in H1N1 Detection and Monitoring

What cutting-edge technologies are enhancing our ability to detect and monitor H1N1 flu? Several innovative approaches are making a difference:

Rapid Diagnostic Tests

New point-of-care tests can detect H1N1 and other flu strains in minutes, allowing for faster treatment decisions.

Genomic Surveillance

Advanced sequencing technologies enable real-time tracking of viral mutations, crucial for updating vaccines and predicting emerging strains.

AI and Big Data

Artificial intelligence algorithms analyze vast datasets to predict outbreaks and identify patterns in virus spread and mutation.

Environmental Factors and H1N1 Transmission

How do environmental conditions influence the spread of H1N1 flu? Several factors come into play:

Climate and Seasonality

H1N1, like other flu viruses, tends to spread more easily in cold, dry conditions. This partly explains the seasonal nature of flu outbreaks in temperate regions.

Air Quality

Poor air quality, particularly in urban areas, may increase susceptibility to respiratory infections, including H1N1.

Population Density

Crowded living conditions can facilitate rapid virus transmission, making urban centers potential hotspots during outbreaks.

The Economic Impact of H1N1 Flu

What are the economic implications of H1N1 flu outbreaks? The impact can be substantial and multifaceted:

Healthcare Costs

Treating H1N1 cases, especially severe ones requiring hospitalization, can strain healthcare budgets.

Productivity Losses

Widespread illness leads to absenteeism and reduced productivity across various sectors of the economy.

Prevention Expenses

Investments in vaccines, public health campaigns, and research represent significant but necessary expenditures.

Psychological Aspects of H1N1 Outbreaks

How do H1N1 flu outbreaks affect mental health and social behavior? The psychological impact can be significant:

Anxiety and Stress

Fear of infection can lead to increased anxiety, especially among high-risk groups or during severe outbreaks.

Social Behavior Changes

Outbreaks may lead to social distancing behaviors, potentially affecting community cohesion and individual well-being.

Stigma

Misconceptions about H1N1 can sometimes lead to stigmatization of certain groups, necessitating public education efforts.

Understanding these psychological aspects is crucial for developing comprehensive public health strategies that address both physical and mental health needs during flu outbreaks.

Symptoms, Causes, Tests, and Treatments

Written by Stephanie Watson

How Do You Catch It?
Swine Flu Symptoms
Are There Tests for Swine Flu?
How Is It Treated?
Is There a Vaccine for Swine Flu?

h2N1 flu is also known as swine flu. It’s called swine flu because in the past, the people who caught it had direct contact with pigs. That changed several years ago, when a new virus emerged that spread among people who hadn’t been near pigs.

In 2009, h2N1 was spreading fast around the world, so the World Health Organization called it a pandemic. Since then, people have continued to get sick from swine flu, but not as many.

While swine flu isn’t as scary as it seemed a few years ago, it’s still important to protect yourself from getting it. Like seasonal flu, it can cause more serious health problems for some people. The best bet is to get a flu vaccine, or flu shot, every year. Swine flu is one of the viruses included in the vaccine.

The same way as the seasonal flu. When people who have it cough or sneeze, they spray tiny drops of the virus into the air. If you come in contact with these drops, touch a surface (like a doorknob or sink) where the drops landed, or touch something an infected person has recently touched, you can catch h2N1 swine flu.

People who have it can spread it one day before they have any symptoms and as many as 7 days after they get sick. Kids can be contagious for as long as 10 days.

Despite the name, you can’t catch swine flu from eating bacon, ham, or any other pork product.

These, too, are pretty much the same as seasonal flu. They can include:

Cough
Fever
Sore throat
Stuffy or runny nose
Body aches
Headache
Chills
Fatigue

Like the regular flu, swine flu can lead to more serious problems including pneumonia, a lung infection, and other breathing problems. And it can make an illness like diabetes or asthma worse. If you have symptoms like shortness of breath, severe vomiting, pain in your belly or sides, dizziness, or confusion, call your doctor or 911 right away.

Yes. Without one it’s hard to tell whether you have swine flu or seasonal flu, because most symptoms are the same. If you have swine flu, you may be more likely to feel sick and your stomach and throw up than with regular flu. But a lab test is the only way to know. Even a rapid flu test you can get in your doctor’s office won’t tell you for sure.

To test for swine flu, your doctor runs a swab — a bigger version of the ones in your bathroom — up the inside of your nose around the back of your throat. But the test isn’t as common or widespread as those for regular flu. So the only people who really need to be tested are those in the hospital or those at high risk for life-threatening problems from swine flu, such as:

Children under 5 years old
People 65 or older
Children and teens (under age 18) who are getting long-term aspirin therapy and who might be at risk for Reye’s syndrome after being infected with swine flu. Reye’s syndrome is a life-threatening illness linked to aspirin use in children.
Pregnant women
Adults and children with chronic lung, heart, liver, blood, nervous system, neuromuscular, or metabolic problems
Adults and children who have weakened immune systems (including those who take medications to suppress their immune systems or who have HIV)
People in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities

Some of the same antiviral drugs that are used to treat seasonal flu also work against h2N1 swine flu. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), peramivir (Rapivab), and zanamivir (Relenza) seem to work best, although some kinds of swine flu don’t respond to oseltamivir.

These drugs can help you get well faster. They can also make you feel better. They work best when you take them within 48 hours of the first flu symptoms, but they can help even if you get them later on.

Antibiotics won’t do anything for you. That’s because flu is caused by a virus, not bacteria.

Over-the-counter pain remedies and cold and flu medications can help relieve aches, pains, and fever. Don’t give aspirin to children under age 18 because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome. Make sure that over-the-counter cold medications do not have aspirin before giving them to children.

The same flu vaccine that protects against seasonal flu also protects against the h2N1 swine flu strain. You can get it as a shot or as a nasal spray. Either way, it “teaches” your immune system to attack the real virus.

Besides a flu shot, there are other things you can do to stay healthy:

Wash your hands throughout the day with soap and water. Sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice to make sure you’ve washed long enough. Or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Avoid people who are sick.

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Influenza A(h2N1)

HOW TO PROTECT AGAINST FLU A(h2N1)?

Influenza A (h2N1) virus is easily transmitted from person to person and causes respiratory diseases of varying severity. The symptoms of the disease are similar to those of a regular (seasonal) flu. The severity of the disease depends on a number of factors, including the general condition of the body and age.

Predisposed to the disease: the elderly, young children, pregnant women and people suffering from chronic diseases (asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular disease), and those with weakened immune systems.

RULE 1: WASH

Wash your hands often with soap and water.

Clean and disinfect surfaces using household detergents.

Hand hygiene is an important measure to prevent the spread of influenza. Washing with soap removes and destroys germs. If it is not possible to wash your hands with soap and water, use alcohol-containing or disinfectant wipes.

Cleaning and regular disinfection of surfaces (tables, doorknobs, chairs, etc.) removes and destroys the virus.

RULE 2: KEEP DISTANCE AND etiquette

Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Maintain a distance of at least 1 meter from patients.

Avoid travel and crowded places.

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

Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with hands. Influenza virus spreads in these ways.

Do not spit in public places.

Wear a mask or other available protective equipment to reduce the risk of illness.

The virus is easily transmitted from a sick person to a healthy person by airborne droplets (when sneezing, coughing), so it is necessary to maintain a distance of at least 1 meter from patients. When coughing, sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with disposable tissues, which should be thrown away after use. By avoiding unnecessary visits to crowded places, we reduce the risk of disease.

RULE 3: LIVE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

A healthy lifestyle increases the body’s resistance to infection. Follow a healthy regimen, including proper sleep, consumption of foods rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals, physical activity.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF FLU A (h2N1)?

The most common symptoms of influenza A(H1N1)2009:

• fever (97%),

• cough (94%),

• runny nose (59%),

• sore throat (50 %),

• headache (47%),

• rapid breathing (41%),

• muscle pain (35%),

• conjunctivitis (9%).

In some cases, symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders (which are not characteristic of seasonal influenza) were observed: nausea, vomiting (18%), diarrhea (12%).

Complications of influenza A(H1N1)2009:

A characteristic feature of influenza A(H1N1)2009 is the early onset of complications. If with seasonal flu complications usually occur on the 5th-7th day and later, then with influenza A (H1N1) 2009 complications can develop already on the 2nd-3rd day of illness.

The leading complication is primary viral pneumonia. Viral pneumonia worsens rapidly, and many patients develop respiratory failure within 24 hours, requiring immediate respiratory support with mechanical ventilation.

Promptly started treatment helps to alleviate the severity of the disease.

WHAT TO DO WHEN I HAVE FLU?

Stay at home and seek immediate medical attention.

Follow your doctor’s orders, stay in bed and drink plenty of fluids.

Avoid crowded places. Wear a hygienic mask to reduce the risk of spreading infection.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough. Wash your hands with soap as often as possible.

WHAT TO DO IF SOMEONE IN THE FAMILY IS ILL WITH FLU?

Give the patient a separate room in the house. If this is not possible, keep a distance of at least 1 meter from the patient.

Minimize contact between sick people and loved ones, especially children, the elderly and people with chronic illnesses.

Ventilate the room frequently.

Maintain cleanliness by washing and disinfecting surfaces as often as possible with household detergents.

Wash your hands frequently with soap.

When caring for a sick person, cover your mouth and nose with a mask or other protective equipment (kerchief, scarf, etc.).

Only one member of the family should care for the sick person.

h2N1 influenza (swine flu) and you

h2N1 influenza (swine flu) and you 1

What is H 1 N 1 (swine flu)?

h2N1 (commonly known as “swine flu”) is a new influenza virus that causes illness in humans. This new virus was first detected in humans in the United States in April 2009. Other countries, including Mexico and Canada, are also reporting human cases of the new virus. This virus spreads from one person to another, probably in much the same way as regular seasonal flu.

Why is the new virus H 1 N 1 sometimes called “swine flu”?

This virus was originally called “swine flu” because it was found in laboratory studies that many of the causative agents of this new virus

were very similar to influenza viruses commonly seen in pigs in North America. However, further studies have shown that the detected virus differs in many ways from that which is spreading among North American pigs. It contains two genes from influenza viruses commonly found in pigs in Europe and Asia, as well as bird genes. Scientists call this virus the “quadruple reassortant.” 9in humans 003

Are there any cases of human infection with the virus H 1 N USA?

Yes. The first confirmed cases of human infection with the h2N1 influenza virus in the United States were in Southern California and near Guadalupe County, Texas. Since then, the virus has spread rapidly, with infections being reported from a growing number of states. The updated number of cases of confirmed h2N1 influenza infections in the United States is continuously reported on the Internet at http://www.cdc.gov/h2n1flu/investigation.htm . The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working with local and state health agencies to investigate the situation.

Is this new virus infectious?

CDC has determined that the new h2N1 virus is contagious and spreads from one person to another. However, at the moment there is no information on how easily this virus spreads between people.

What are the main signs and symptoms of this virus in humans?

The symptoms of the new h2N1 influenza virus are similar to those of the seasonal flu. These include high fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and feeling tired.

Many of the infected patients also complained of diarrhea and vomiting. In addition, as with seasonal influenza, serious and even fatal cases have been recorded as a result of the disease caused by this virus.

How serious is the disease associated with the new influenza virus 1?

It is currently unknown how dangerous this new h2N1 influenza virus will become to the general population. During seasonal flu, there are certain populations that are at greater risk for serious complications . These include people aged 65 and over, children under five, pregnant women, and people of all ages with certain chronic conditions. Initial data indicate that pregnancy and other pre-existing chronic conditions such as asthma and diabetes, which increase the risk of influenza-related complications, are also associated with an increased risk of complications from infection with this new h2N1 influenza virus.

The only thing that appears to be different from seasonal influenza is that adults over 64 years of age in this outbreak still do not appear to be at increased risk of complications associated with the new influenza virus h2N1. The CDC is also conducting laboratory tests to determine if any people have natural immunity to this virus based on their age. Early reports indicate that children do not and few adults under 60 have antibodies to the novel h2N1 influenza virus; however, about a third of adults over 60 may have antibodies against this virus. It is not known how much protection against the new influenza virus type h2N1 can (if at all) provide any of the available antibodies.

What is the severity and incidence of the new influenza H 1 N 1 compared to seasonal influenza?

The CDC is still investigating the severity of illness caused by the new h2N1 influenza virus. There is currently insufficient information to predict how severe this novel h2N1 influenza virus outbreak will be in terms of morbidity and mortality, or how it will compare to seasonal influenza.

In the case of seasonal influenza, we know that the seasons vary in time, length and severity. Seasonal influenza can cause mild to severe illness, sometimes leading to death. Each year in the United States, on average, 36,000 people die from flu-related complications and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized for flu-related causes. Among those hospitalized, 20,000 are children under the age of 5. More than 90% of deaths and about 60% of hospitalizations occur in people over 65 years of age.

To date, the largest number of confirmed and probable cases of novel h2N1 influenza virus are among people aged 5 to 24 years. Currently, there are no deaths and only a few cases in people over 64 years of age, which is unusual when compared with seasonal flu. However, pregnancy and other previously established chronic illnesses with a high risk of complications from seasonal influenza appear to be associated with an increased risk of complications from this new h2N1 influenza virus.

How is the new virus transmitted H 1 N 1?

The transmission of the new h2N1 virus is believed to be identical to that of seasonal influenza. Influenza viruses are mainly transmitted from one person to another during coughs or sneezes of sick people. Some people can get sick by touching objects that contain flu viruses and then touching their own mouth or nose.

How long can an infected person transmit the virus to other people?

The CDC currently considers this virus to have the same spreading properties as seasonal flu viruses. Studies of seasonal influenza have shown that a person can be contagious from 1 day before symptoms appear to 7 days after onset. Children, especially younger children, may be potential carriers of the virus for a longer period of time. CDC staff are studying the virus and its characteristics for more information about it, which will be provided as soon as possible.

Ways not believed to be transmitted new influenza virus H 1 N 1

Can I get this new virus H 1 N 1 if I eat or cook pork in ?

No. h2N1 viruses are not foodborne. Infection with the new HIN1 virus through pork or pork products is not possible. Properly processed and cooked pork products are completely safe to consume.

Is there a risk of disease through drinking water?

Tap water that has been treated with accepted disinfection methods does not pose a particular risk of transmitting influenza viruses. Current standards for the treatment of drinking water provide a high degree of protection against viruses. The susceptibility of the new h2N1 influenza virus to accepted drinking water treatment processes has not been studied. However, recent studies have shown that the level of free chlorine commonly used to purify drinking water is sufficient to inactivate the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza. It is likely that other influenza viruses, such as the new h2N1, will also be inactivated by chlorine treatment. To date, there have been no documented cases of influenza caused by contaminated drinking water.

Can a new flu virus H 1 N 1 spread through water in swimming pools, spas, water parks, fountains and other 90 003 treated water sources used for bathing and swimming?

Influenza viruses infect the human upper respiratory tract. There are no documented cases of influenza virus infection associated with water use. Bathing and swimming water that has been treated using CDC-recommended disinfection levels is unlikely to transmit influenza viruses. The susceptibility of the h2N1 influenza virus to chlorine and other disinfectants used in swimming pools, spas, water parks, fountains, and other treated water sources used for bathing and swimming has not been studied. However, recent studies have shown that CDC-recommended levels of free chlorine (1-3 parts per million [ppm or mg/L] for swimming pools and 2-5 ppm for spas) are sufficient to disinfect avian virus. influenza A (H5N1). It is likely that other influenza viruses, such as the new h2N1, will also be disinfected with chlorine.

Can influenza virus H 1 N 1 be transmitted in watery areas, 9000 3 used for bathing and swimming, outside of it?

Yes, pools of water used for bathing and swimming are no different from other public places. The modes of transmission of the new h2N1 virus are believed to be identical to those of the seasonal flu. Influenza viruses are mainly transmitted from one person to another during coughs or sneezes of sick people. Some people can get sick by first touching an object that contains flu viruses and then touching their own mouth or nose.

Prevention and treatment

How can I protect myself from infection?

There is currently no vaccine to protect against infection with the novel h2N1 virus. To prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses such as the flu, normal daily hygiene practices should be followed.

To protect your health, use the following measures:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw away the used tissue in the trash.

• Wash your hands thoroughly and often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective.

• Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth. The infection is transmitted in this way.

• Avoid close contact with sick people.

• If you are ill, stay home for 7 days after you develop symptoms or until you have symptoms within 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is necessary to prevent infecting others and further spread of the virus.

Other important things you can do include:

• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, social distancing, and other flu isolation measures.

• Be prepared to stay at home for about a week if you become ill; A supply of over-the-counter medications, alcohol-based hand rubs, tissues, and other related items may come in handy to help eliminate the need to go out in public while you are sick and carrying an infection.

What is the best way to protect yourself from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?

If you are sick, limit contact with other people as much as possible. If you become ill, stay home for 7 days after symptoms develop or until symptoms develop within 24 hours, whichever is longer. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw used tissues in the trash can. Afterward, wash your hands after every bout of coughing or sneezing.

What is the best way to wash your hands to avoid getting the flu?

Washing your hands frequently will protect you from germs. Use soap or an alcohol-based hand rub to wash your hands. The CDC recommends washing your hands — with soap and warm water — for at least 15 to 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, disposable wipes soaked in alcohol-based hand rub or disinfectant gels can be used. They can be found in most supermarkets and pharmacies. When using the gel, rub it into your hands until completely dry. The gel does not require water to act; the alcohol it contains will kill the germs on your hands.

What should I do if I get sick?

If you live in areas where cases of novel h2N1 flu have been identified and you have flu-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, stay home and avoid contact with other people. Staying at home means not leaving it, except when you need to seek medical help. This means avoiding normal activities including work, school, travel, shopping, social events and public gatherings.

If you are seriously ill or especially susceptible to complications from the flu, contact your healthcare provider or seek medical attention. The health facility will determine whether it is necessary to test for the flu or start treatment right away. If you get sick and have any of the following signs that your condition is getting worse, call your doctor right away.

In children among similar signs that require urgent care, may include:

• Rapid or labored breathing

• Gray or bluish skin

• Not drinking enough water

9000 6 • Severe or persistent vomiting

• Non-awakening or no response

• So excited that the child resists being picked up

• Some relief from influenza symptoms, which then returned, accompanied by fever and increased cough

In adults, signs that require immediate medical attention may include the following:

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath Pain or tightness in chest or abdomen

Sudden dizziness

• Confusion

• Severe or persistent vomiting

• Some relief from influenza symptoms, which then returned, accompanied by fever and increased cough

Are there medicines to treat the new flu?

Yes. The CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir to treat and/or prevent infection with the novel h2N1 influenza virus. Antiviral drugs are prescription drugs (tablets, solutions, or inhalers) that are designed to treat the flu and stop viruses from multiplying in your body. If you get sick, antiviral medicines can slow down the progression of the disease and help you feel better sooner. In addition, they can prevent serious complications caused by the flu. During the current epidemic, the use of anti-influenza antiviral drugs for the treatment of serious influenza is a priority.

What is the CDC recommendation for swine flu parties?

“Swine flu parties” are gatherings where people come into close contact with someone who has the novel h2N1 flu in order to become infected with the virus. The purpose of these parties is to be infected with the virus that has caused many people mild illness, in the hope of acquiring natural immunity to the new h2N1 influenza virus that may continue to circulate and cause more severe illness.

The CDC does not recommend “swine flu parties” as a way to protect against new h2N1 influenza in the future. forms and even lead to death. It is impossible to predict with certainty what the outcome will be in the case of a person, or, just as importantly, in the case of those to whom a person who deliberately infects himself can transmit the virus.

The CDC recommends that people with the new h2N1 flu virus avoid contact with others as much as possible. They should stay home for 7 days after symptoms develop or until symptoms develop within 24 hours, whichever is longer.

Infection and cleaning

x (e.g. books and doorknobs)?

Studies have shown that influenza virus

is able to survive on surrounding objects with the possibility of infecting a person within 2-8 hours from the moment it hits the surface.

What kills the influenza virus?

Influenza virus is destroyed by high temperature (75-100°C). In addition, some chemical germicides, including chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soaps), iodophors (iodine-based antiseptics), and alcohol solutions, are effective against human influenza viruses when used at the appropriate concentration for a sufficient period of time. For example, alcohol-based hand rubs and gels can be used to clean hands. Gels must be rubbed into the hands until completely dry.

Which surfaces are more likely to be contaminated?

Germs can be spread when a person touches germ-bearing objects and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets of liquid during an infected person’s sneeze or cough are transmitted through the air. Germs can be transmitted when a person touches another person’s respiratory droplets on a surface, such as a table, and then touches their own eyes, mouth, or nose without washing their hands.

How should household waste be handled to prevent the spread of the influenza virus?

To help prevent the spread of the flu virus, it is recommended that you throw away tissues and other disposable items used by an infected person in the trash. In addition, after touching tissues and similar debris, wash your hands with soap and water.

What to wash in the house for prevent the spread of the flu virus?

To prevent the spread of the influenza virus, it is important to keep surfaces (especially bedside tables, bathrooms, kitchens, and children’s toys) clean by wiping them down with household disinfectants according to label directions.

How should linen, cutlery and crockery used by people infected with the influenza virus be handled?

It is not necessary to wash linen and cutlery and dishes belonging to the patient separately, but it is important to remember that these items should not be used by others without careful pretreatment. Linens (such as sheets and towels) should be washed using regular laundry soap and dried in a hot dryer. Do not carry dirty linen “in an armful” to the place of washing in order to prevent your own infection. After carrying dirty laundry, wash your hands with soap and water or wipe them with an alcohol-based hand rub.

Cutlery should be washed either in the dishwasher or with soap and water.

Response and research

What is CDC doing in response to the influenza outbreak?

The purpose of this institution is to reduce the spread and severity of the disease, and to provide information to help physicians, health care administrators and the public in informing them about the issues raised by the new virus. The CDC is working with state and local health departments to strengthen surveillance in the United States and collect and analyze data to assess the impact of the virus and identify groups at higher risk of developing complications. In addition to this, CDC continues to release new and updated interim guidance for healthcare professionals, health professionals and the public for the prevention and treatment of this new virus.

To expand national and international laboratory capacity to detect novel h2N1 influenza, CDC has developed and distributed new diagnostic kits and reagents to more than 350 laboratories, including laboratories in 131 countries. The Center’s Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) division continues to ship antiviral drugs, personal protective equipment, and respiratory protection to all 50 states and other US territories to assist in the outbreak response.

The United States government is also actively taking early steps in the production of the new h2N1 influenza vaccine by working closely with manufacturers. The CDC has isolated a new h2N1 type virus, created a candidate vaccine virus that can be used to produce a vaccine, and made the virus available to manufacturers, who can therefore start scaling up vaccine production if necessary.

What epidemiological studies are being carried out in response to the current influenza outbreak?

The CDC is working closely with local and state officials in areas where there have been identified cases of novel h2N1 influenza infection in the public. The CDC has sent staff to several states to help conduct research on the impact of the new h2N1 influenza virus, including assessing the severity of the illness, how easily the virus spreads, and the amount of time people can be contagious. In states where EpiAid teams have been deployed, various epidemiological measures are in place or planned, including:

• Continuous surveillance in those counties where human cases have been identified;

• Examination of health care workers who have been in contact with sick patients to determine if they are infected;

• Examining family members and others who have been in contact with sick patients to see if they are infected;

• A study to find out how long a person infected with a virus sheds the virus into the environment.

Who is responsible for distributing medicines from national strategic stockpiles (SNZ) after delivery?

Local health authorities have full control over the distribution of CHS medicines after they are delivered to a city, state, or region. Federal, local, and state planners are working closely together to ensure that NHS drugs reach affected areas as quickly as possible. CHS medicines have already been delivered to many cities, states and regions.