What is novel H1N1 flu?
H1N1 flu (called "novel H1N1", "pandemic H1N1" and "swine flu") is a new strain of flu virus causing illness in people. In April 2009 this specific type of H1N1 flu was first reported in the United States. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.

Who is at risk for H1N1 flu?
Like seasonal influenza, H1N1 can cause mild to severe illness, and certain people are at "high risk"of serious complications. People at high risk of serious H1N1 influenza complications include:

• pregnant women
• children age 6 months to24 years
• patients between 25 and 64 years old who have chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems,
• healthcare personnel with direct contact with these groups and those caring for newborns.

What can I do to protect myself against H1N1 flu?

• Clean your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick, if possible.
• Try to stay in good health by getting plenty of sleep, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.

What are the symptoms of H1N1 flu?
Symptoms are similar to seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, headache, chills and general weakness. Some people also have diarrhea and vomiting. These symptoms can range from mild to severe. Generally, flu symptoms last three to seven days.

What should I do if I get sick?

• Do not go to work or school if sick. Stay home when you are sick. The CDC recommends that: Non-healthcare workers stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medications.  Healthcare personnel stay out of work for at least 7 days after the start of symptoms or at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, whichever is longer.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue every time you cough or sneeze. Then throw the used tissue in a waste basket and clean your hands after disposing of used tissue. If you don't have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your upper sleeve.
• Clean your hands with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. You can also use alcohol-based hand cleaner.
• Try to limit contact with others to keep from getting them sick.
• Drink plenty of fluids, rest, and take medicine to reduce your fever.
• If you have other health problems, you may wish to contact your healthcare provider by telephone. Your healthcare provider can determine if you need treatment and/or a test for influenza. Talk to your doctor if symptoms seem severe or ongoing.

Seek emergency medical care if you have any of the following:

Children: Fast breathing or trouble breathing; Bluish skin color, Not drinking enough fluids, Not waking up or not interacting normally, Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held, Flu like symptoms that improve and then return with fever and cough, Fever with a rash
Adults: Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath; Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen; Sudden dizziness; Confusion; Severe or persistent vomiting

How does H1N1 flu spread between people?
Both season and H1N1 flu are able to spread easily from one person to another. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza .. People also can get the flu by touching something with the flu germ on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Symptoms usually start one to three days after a person has been exposed.

How long can an infected person spread HN1 flu to others?
People infected with seasonal and novel H1N1 flu are most likely to infect others from one day before getting sick to 24 hours after fever resolves (without the use of fever-reducing medication). The virus can be "shed" (or can be spread even without symptoms) for longer time periods in some people, especially people with weakened immune systems and children.

Is there a vaccine for H1N1 flu?
The 2009 H1N1 vaccine is expected to be available in mid-October. The seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against the 2009 H1N1 flu, so people who are at risk for both will need to get both season and H1N1 vaccines. It's very likely that the seasonal flu H1N1 vaccines can be given at the same time. The CDC has recommended that certain groups of the population receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine when it first becomes available. These target groups include pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6-months-of-age, healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, people 6 months through 24 years of age, and people of any age with chronic conditions (see above "Who is at Risk for nH1N1")hat put them at risk for severe influenza complications.

Are there any medications that I can take?
For most people with flu, the most important treatment is rest, fluids, and medicine to control fever. Most people with influenza who are not in one of the high-risk groups for serious influenza complications do not need a specific medicine against the virus. If, however, you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, it's important to contact your health care provider or seek medical care as soon as possible. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed. 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.