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H1N1 flu 101: Understanding how H1N1 is spread, the symptoms, who is at risk, and when to worry.
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It is safe to say that one of the biggest health issues concerning families right now is the H1N1. With children back in school and the flu season right around the corner, parents worry about this unfamiliar strain of illness that on June 11, 2009 the World Health Organization declared as a global pandemic.
Considering that 50% of Americans are predicted to contract H1N1 this year, it is understandable that parents experience anxiety over this particular health issue. Arming oneself through education is always the best defense. Here is a list of things every parent should know:
The first thing to be aware of is that the WHO considers the outbreak a pandemic because of how extensively it is spreading, not because of its severity of symptoms. And second, although the U.S. has reported the highest number of new cases, the majority of those infected have recovered without receiving any medical treatment.
How is the H1N1 spread?
The H1N1 spreads just like the typical seasonal flu. People are mostly susceptible when they inhale after someone carrying the virus coughs or sneezes. The flu can also be contracted if a person touches something that has the virus on it and then touches their mouth or nose.
What are the symptoms?
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the H1N1 symptoms vary from mild to moderate and include:
- Fever (over 100.4 degrees)
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Body aches
- Headaches
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Some people may experience nausea, vomiting, and or diarhhea
- Some people can have the respiratory symptoms without fever
How can you discern between flu symptoms and that of a common cold?
According to the CDC, it is difficult but flu symptoms are generally more severe and fever, body aches, fatigue and dry cough are more often associated with the flu.
Who is considered “high risk”?
At the top of the list are children under the age of 5, especially those under the age of 2 and pregnant women. Just as the seasonal flu, people with heart disease, asthma, diabetes, and kidney disease are at a higher risk. Contrary to the seasonal flu, people over 64 have not shown an increased risk for complications related to contracting this particular strain of flu.
What do you do if you suspect that someone in your family has been infected?
The CDC recommends that you do your very best to keep that person away from others. Call your doctor or your pediatrician who will then instruct you on proper treatment. The physician may or may not prescribe a rapid flu test to determine if the flu is in fact the H1N1.
When is it necessary to go to the ER?
The CDC outlines warning signs for children and adults.
For children:
• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• 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
• Fever with a rash
In adults:
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
Once infected, how long is it before a person can return to their normal routine?
The CDC recommendation is that a person stays home for at least 24 hours after a fever has returned to normal (without the use of fever-reducing medication).
For more information on the H1N1, visit:
What to do if someone in your family should get the H1N1 flu
Handwashing and H1N1
Prevention of H1N1
Questions to ask your physician about the H1N1 vaccine
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