What is H1N1 influenza?

Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 250 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02108

What is H1N1 influenza?

H1N1 flu, also known as “swine flu,” is a respiratory disease caused by a type of influenza virus. There are several

different types of the “H1N1” flu virus. One type causes illness in pigs. Another type causes illness in people.

(Occasionally, the H1N1 virus from pigs can cause illness in humans and the H1N1 virus from pigs can cause

disease in humans.) Recently, a new type of H1N1 flu has been found to cause illness in people. Since March 2009,

there have been many cases of this new type of H1N1 flu in the United States and around the world.

What are the symptoms of the new H1N1 flu in people?

The new H1N1 flu causes symptoms very similar to seasonal flu. Just like seasonal flu, the most common symptoms

are fever, cough, and sore throat. They can also include body aches, headache, chills and feeling very tired. Some

people also have diarrhea and vomiting.

How would I know if I have the new H1N1 flu?

If you have symptoms of influenza, contact your healthcare provider. He or she will decide what type of testing

(if any) and treatment is right for you. Most people who are otherwise healthy, and who have mild illness, do

not need to be tested. Your healthcare provider may recommend testing if you are very ill or have a high risk of

complications with influenza (for example if you are over 65, immunosuppressed, or chronically ill). If you

think you might have H1N1 or seasonal flu and you need to see your health care provider, you should call ahead

and let them know you might have the flu. That way, precautions can be taken to avoid the spread of flu to

others.

How is the new H1N1 flu treated?

People sick with any type of flu should make sure to drink enough fluids, get plenty of rest, eat healthy foods,

wash hands frequently and stay home to avoid spreading the flu to other people. Drugs used to treat seasonal

flu, called antivirals, can also be used to treat the new H1N1 flu. A few influenza viruses, including H1N1, have

been resistant to some, but not all, of these drugs. Healthcare providers may recommend that people who are

sick with a flu-like illness receive an antiviral medication.

What if I live in or have recently been to an area where the new H1N1 flu in humans has been found?

If you live in or have recently traveled to an area affected by H1N1 flu, be watchful for any flu-like symptoms.

If you are experiencing any symptoms, stay home to avoid exposing others. Contact your healthcare provider

and he or she will decide what type of testing (if any) and treatment is right for you.

Is there a vaccine for the new H1N1 flu?

Right now there is no vaccine to protect against H1N1 influenza. According to U.S. Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention (CDC), it is unlikely that the vaccine for seasonal flu will prevent the new H1N1 flu. However,

the federal government is working with vaccine manufacturers to develop a vaccine that is expected to be

available in several months.

How can I protect myself and others from the new H1N1 flu?

You can protect yourself and others from the new H1N1 flu the same way that you protect yourself from

seasonal flu. Avoid holding, hugging, kissing, or shaking hands with anyone who has a cold or the flu. Wash

your hands often with soap and warm water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your nose,

mouth or eyes. Clean things that are touched often like door handles, telephones, faucets, etc. If you get sick

with a flu-like illness stay home from work and school and avoid contact with others so the virus does not

spread.