General Information

What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of H1N1 influenza are similar to seasonal influenza:

• fever
• chills
• cough
• runny or stuffy nose
• muscle aches
• sore throat
• shortness of breath
• tiredness or fatigue

Some people have also complained of vomiting and diarrhea. H1N1 influenza can sometimes result in a severe pneumonia. LIke seasonal flu, H1N1 flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions. As with seasonal flu, severe illnesses and death have occurred as a result of complications associated with the H1N1 virus.

How long does it take for symptoms to appear?
Symptoms generally appear between one to four days after exposure.

How does H1N1 flu 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 eyes, nose, or mouth.

How long can an infected person spread this virus to others?
Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. Children, especially younger children, might be contagious for longer periods. CDC recommends sick people self-isolate until their fever has been gone for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.

How does novel H1N1 flu compare to seasonal flu in terms of its severity and infection rates?
The H1N1 influenza virus at this time is considered to be similar in severity to the regular seasonal flu. Some people have also complained of vomiting and diarrhea. H1N1 influenza can sometimes result in a severe pneumonia. LIke seasonal flu, H1N1 flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions. As with seasonal flu, severe illnesses and death have occurred as a result of complications associated with the H1N1 virus.

Is there a vaccine for H1N1?
The CDC and private manufacturers are working on a vaccine, however it is not expected to be ready until mid- to late October at the earliest. Even though there is no vaccine, there are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of viruses such as influenza.

How long can viruses live outside the body?
Some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent handwashing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.

What groups of people are the most at risk?
Information analyzed by CDC supports the conclusion that novel H1N1 flu has caused greater disease burden in people younger than 25 years of age than in older people. However, pregnancy and other previously recognized high risk medical conditions from seasonal influenza appear to be associated with increased risk of complications from this novel H1N1 regardless of a person's age. These underlying conditions include asthma, diabetes, suppressed immune systems, heart disease, kidney disease, neurocognitive and neuromuscular disorders and pregnancy. If you have any of these conditions, you are strongly encouraged to contact your physician immediately if you believe you may be getting sick with flu-like symptoms.

What should I do if I get sick?
If you live in areas where people have been identified with new H1N1 flu and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people, except to seek medical care. If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed.

What are the warning signs of serious illness? When should I seek emergency medical care?
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:

• 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