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Understanding the Novel H1N1 (Swine Flu) Virus
What is novel H1N1 (Swine Flu)?
 Novel H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in the United States in April 2009. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a pandemic of the novel H1N1 virus was underway.
Why is novel H1N1 virus sometimes called “Swine Flu”?
This virus was originally called “swine flu” because testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs (swine) in North America. Further study has shown that this new virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs.
Are there human infections with novel H1N1 virus in the U.S.?
Yes. Human infections with the new H1N1 virus are ongoing in the United States. Most people who have become ill with this new virus have recovered without requiring medical treatment.
Novel H1N1 (Swine Flu) Virus and You
Is novel H1N1 virus contagious?
CDC has determined that novel H1N1 virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human.
How does novel H1N1 virus spread?
Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something – such as a surface or object – with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes.
What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk, for example, and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.
What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in people?
_W.jpg) The symptoms of novel H1N1 virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Severe illnesses and death have occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.
How severe is illness associated with novel H1N1 virus?
Illness with the new H1N1 virus has ranged from mild to severe. Most people who have been sick have recovered without needing medical treatment. Hospitalizations and deaths from infection with this virus have occurred.
Are certain people at high risk of H1N1-related complications?
There is a difference between seasonal influenza risk factors and novel H1N1 virus risk factors. With seasonal flu, certain people are at “high risk” of serious complications. This includes individuals who are 65 years and older, children younger than five years old, pregnant women and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions. About 70 percent of people who have been hospitalized with this novel H1N1 virus have had one or more medical conditions previously recognized as placing people at “high risk” including pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease, asthma and kidney disease.
The novel H1N1 virus is different from seasonal influenza in that adults 64 years and older do not yet appear to be at increased risk of novel H1N1-related complications. CDC laboratory studies show that no children and very few adults younger than 60 years old have existing antibody to novel H1N1 virus. However, about one-third of adults older than 60 may have antibodies against this virus. It is unknown how much, if any, protection may be afforded against the novel H1N1 virus by any existing antibody.
How does the novel H1N1 virus compare to seasonal flu in terms of its severity and infection rates?
Seasonal influenza can cause mild to severe illness and, at times, can lead to death. In the US annually about 36,000 people die from flu-related complications and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized. Of those hospitalized, 20,000 are children younger than 5 years old. Over 90% of deaths and about 60 percent of hospitalizations occur in people older than 65.
Analysis by CDC shows that novel H1N1 has caused greater disease burden in people younger than 25 years of age than older people. At this time, there are few cases and few deaths reported in people older than 64 years old. This is atypical when compared with seasonal flu. However, pregnancy and other high risk medical conditions from seasonal influenza appear to be associated with increased risk of complications from novel H1N1. Underlying conditions include asthma, diabetes, suppressed immune systems, heart disease, kidney disease, neurocognitive and neuromuscular disorders and pregnancy.
How long can an infected person spread this virus to others?
People who are infected with seasonal flu as well as those infected with the novel H1N1 virus may be able to infect others from 1 day before getting sick to 5 to 7 days after. This can be longer in some people, especially children and people with weakened immune systems and in people infected with the new H1N1 virus.
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H1N1 Home
How is Mercy Preparing for the Novel H1N1 Virus?
Preventing Novel H1N1
Treating the Novel H1N1
Disposal/Treatment of Infected Items
Exposures Not Thought to Spread the Novel H1N1 Virus
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