H1N1 (swine flu):
infected by touching something with
It is a new Influenza virus that was
ffirst detected in the US in April 2009.
It is found in other countries including
Mexico and Canada.
This virus was originally referred to as
“swine flu” because laboratory testing
showed that many of the genes
in this new virus were similar to
influenza viruses that normally occur
in pigs. Scientists call this a
"quadruple reassortant" virus.
New H1N1 virus is contagious:
CDC has determined that this new
virus is contagious and is spreading
from human to human.
At this time, it is not known how easily
the virus spreads between people.
Signs and Symptoms are similar
to symptoms of seasonal flu and
include:
• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Body aches
• Headache
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Some people report diarrhea
and vomiting
Spread of H1N1 virus:
It is thought to be happening in the
same way seasonal flu spreads.
– Person to person through coughing
or sneezing by people with infection
– Sometimes people may become
flu viruses on it and then touching
their ______
How long can an infected person
spread the virus?
CDC believes the virus has the same
properties as seasonal influenza,
therefore, it is thought that people
may be contagious from one day
before they develop symptoms and for
even days after they get sick.
Children might be contagious longer.
Warning signs in Children
• 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
Warning signs in Adults:
• 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
Medicines to treat infection:

CDC recommends the use of certain

antiviral medications to treat the flu.

– Tamiflu or Relenza

Antiviral drugs can make your illness

milder and make you feel better. They
may also prevent serious
flucomplications.

What kills influenza virus in the

environment?

• Influenza virus is destroyed by

heat.

• Also, most chemical germicides

are effective against human
influenza viruses

– Alcohol– Chlorine–
Hospital disinfectants–
Hydrogen peroxide– Most
household cleaners