People spread the H1N1 virus to each other mainly through coughing or sneezing

What is H1N1 Flu (swine flu)?
H1N1 flu (swine flu) is a new influenza virus that causes illness in people. Because the virus is new, people don’t have immunity to it. H1N1 is spreading from person to person worldwide, in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. This virus is not transmitted by eating pork products.

Precautions
People spread the H1N1 virus to each other mainly through coughing or sneezing. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something – such as a surface or object – with H1N1 virus on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Health officials recommend the following precautions to reduce the spread of H1N1 as well as other influenza and cold viruses:
 Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
 Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
 Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
 Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
 If you get sick, stay home and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Remain at home until you are free from fever (100 degrees or higher) for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine.


Symptoms
Symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to those of regular seasonal flu and include fever, cough and sore throat, fatigue, lack of appetite, runny nose, body aches and chills. Some people also experience nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Treatment
Antiviral medication may be used to prevent serious flu complications such as pneumonia. Antivirals work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms). The decision to take antivirals must be made by the patient and their health care provider.

Vaccination
A new vaccine against H1N1 flu will become available this fall. According to federal guidelines, it will be offered to those at highest risk for complications from H1N1 before it is offered to the general public. This new H1N1 vaccine will not protect you against seasonal flu and the seasonal flu vaccine will not protect against H1N1. Health officials urge people to get the seasonal flu vaccine now (see www.flucliniclocator.org) and obtain the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available.

More Information
 Region IV H1N1 information lines:  360-397-8021 or outside Clark County 877-510-2772
 Clark County Public Health:  www.clark.wa.gov/public-health
 Cowlitz County Health and Human Services: www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/health/
 Skamania County Health Department: www.skamaniacounty.org/departments.htm
 Wahkiakum County Health and Human Services: www.co.wahkiakum.wa.us/depts/health/index.htm
 Washington State Department of Health: www.doh.wa.gov
 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention hotline:  1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636)
 Flu.gov: www.flu.gov