How does the H1N1 influenza spread?

• This virus is thought to spread the same way seasonal flu spreads
• Primarily through respiratory droplets
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Touching respiratory droplets on yourself, another person, or an object, then touching mucus membranes (e.g. mouth, nose, eyes) without washing hands

What can you do to protect yourself from getting sick?

• There is no vaccine right now to protect against the new H1N1 virus
• However, everyday actions can help prevent spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza

Take these everyday steps to protect your health

• Wash your hands frequently, especially after shaking hands with people; carry a container of waterless anti-bacterial soap with you
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
  
• Drink lots of liquids and eat nutritiously
• Get plenty of sleep
• Avoid contact with sick people
• Do not share items like toothbrushes and drinking containers

Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms of novel H1N1 flu in people are similar to those associated with seasonal flu

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore Throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Body Aches
• Headache
• Chills
• Influenza primarily infect the respiratory tract (nose, throat, and lungs). The disease can cause severe illness and lead to life-threatening complications, such as pneumonia, in many people

Cold vs. Flu

• Cold
• A cold often starts with feeling tired, sneezing, coughing and a runny nose
• May not have a fever or a very lower fever (generally 1 to 2 degrees higher than usual)
• Muscle aches, a scratchy or sore throat, watery eyes, and headache
• As the cold worsens, your nasal mucus may turn from thin and watery to yellow and thick
• Symptoms may vary with each cold
• A cold usually lasts 3 to 4 days but can last up to 10 days
• Flu
• Stars suddenly and hits hard
• Your fever may go as high as 105 degrees
• You feel week and tired, have a dry cough, runny nose, chills, muscle aches, severe headaches, eye pain and a sore throat
• The fever may last three to five days
• After the flu goes away, you may still feel week and tired or keep coughing for up to three weeks
• The flu is most common in winter and early spring
• If often occurs in outbreaks and the virus changes often

If You Get Sick

• If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible
• Get lots of rest, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid using alcohol and tobacco products
• Consult your health care professional early on for the best treatment, but also be aware of emergency warning signs that require urgent medical attention

Watch for Emergency Warning Signs

Most people should be able to recover at home, but watch for emergency warning signs that mean you should seek immediate medical care. It is every important for anyone with symptoms to avoid contact with others, but seek emergency care if any of the symptoms listed below are present.

• Difficulty breaking 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