For more information Baylor H1N1 Information Center for Disease Control (CDC) World Health Organization Texas Department of State Health Services

H1N1 Influenza

On September 8, 2009, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released recommendations concerning the use of antiviral medications in H1N1 influenza. They now recommend that physicians and other health care providers only use antiviral therapy such as Tamiflu or Relenza in patients under 5 years of age or in patients with certain chronic illnesses or immune system suppression. This applies to the use of the medicines for both treatment and prevention.

There are several reasons for the new recommendations. For one thing, physicians are unsure if the antiviral medicines change the course of the illness significantly, and influenza viruses are prone to becoming resistant to these types of medications. In addition, our observations of the virus thus far have shown us that the H1N1 influenza is a mild illness in most cases that resolves in a few days without any specific treatment. Baylor University Health Services plans to follow these CDC guidelines.

The H1N1 flu virus is causing illness in infected persons in the United States and in countries around the world. The World Health Organization has raised the pandemic alert to a level 6 due to the widespread geographic areas involved with human to human transmission of the virus. Most cases in Texas have been mild with a quick recovery rate. The treatment for H1N1 influenza and seasonal flu is the same.

Signs and Symptoms

•Sudden high fever
•Cough
•Sore throat
•Sudden onset of body aches
•Headache
•Sudden fatigue
•A significant number of people infected have also reported nausea, vomiting and diarrhea

How is H1N1 Influenza spread?

H1N1 flu is thought to be spread the same way as seasonal flu. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Some people become infected by touching something with the flu virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose, or eyes. People are considered contagious one day before they develop symptoms and up to 7 days after they become ill.

What can I do to prevent myself from getting H1N1 Influenza?

There is no vaccine currently available to protect from the H1N1 flu virus. The vaccine from last season does not protect against the H1N1 virus. Take the following steps to protect your health:

•Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw it in the trash after you use it. OR
•Cough or sneeze into your sleeve so that the virus is trapped in your clothing and you do not spread the virus to your hands.

•Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Wash with warm water and scrub your hands for 15-20 seconds. Alcohol-based sanitizers are also effective.
•Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth; germs spread this way.
•Do not eat, drink or smoke after others.
•Try to avoid close contact with those who are sick.
•Stay home if you are sick.

What do I do if I am sick?

Prepare ahead, have a thermometer, a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand sanitizers and tissues available.

If you have the flu you may be sick for a week or longer. Unless necessary for medical care you should stay home and minimize contact with others for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom free for 24 hours.

If you have the symptoms described, call the Health Center (710-1010) to schedule an appointment for evaluation. At this time you can request to talk to a nurse if you have any questions. After clinic hours there is a 24 hour nurse line for information.

If you have any of the following symptoms seek urgent medical attention:

•Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
•Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
•Sudden dizziness
•Confusion
•Severe or persistent vomiting
•Flu-Like symptoms which have improved but then return with fever and worsening cough

Updated July 17, 2009