2. Understanding Novel H1n1 Influenza 2009 - 2010

3. The mission of the Houston Department of Health & Human Services is to work in partnership with the community to protect and promote the health and social well-being of all Houstonians. What is Novel H1N1 Influenza? 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. Many other countries have reported people sick with this new virus. Some deaths have occurred. The H1N1 influenza virus can be transmitted from person-to-person through coughing or sneezing. Some people may also become infected by touching something with the H1N1 influenza on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Source - CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/swineflu_you.htmhttp://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/swineflu_you.htm

4. The mission of the Houston Department of Health & Human Services is to work in partnership with the community to protect and promote the health and social well-being of all Houstonians. Novel H1N1 Influenza Symptoms The symptoms of H1N1 influenza are similar to those of seasonal influenza FeverFever LethargyLethargy Lack of appetiteLack of appetite Sneezing and coughingSneezing and coughing Some people infected with the H1N1 influenza also reported having a runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.Some people infected with the H1N1 influenza also reported having a runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

5. The mission of the Houston Department of Health & Human Services is to work in partnership with the community to protect and promote the health and social well-being of all Houstonians. Seasonal Flu Shot Will the seasonal flu shot protect me from H1N1 influenza virus? No, You will need to get the seasonal flu shot for protection against seasonal flu and the H1N1 influenza vaccination for protection against H1N1 influenza virus.

6. The mission of the Houston Department of Health & Human Services is to work in partnership with the community to protect and promote the health and social well-being of all Houstonians. What vaccines are available for H1N1 Influenza? Nasal spray– Live, attenuated intranasal vaccine (or LAIV) is sprayed into the nose. Nasal spray is available for healthy people from 2-49 years of age. Injection – Inactivated vaccine is injected into the muscle. It is available for anyone over age 6 months.

7. The mission of the Houston Department of Health & Human Services is to work in partnership with the community to protect and promote the health and social well-being of all Houstonians. Are H1N1 Influenza Vaccines Safe? The vaccines are made just like seasonal flu vaccines and are just as safe and effective. However, they will not prevent seasonal flu or flu-like symptoms caused by other viruses.

8. The mission of the Houston Department of Health & Human Services is to work in partnership with the community to protect and promote the health and social well-being of all Houstonians. Who Should Be Vaccinated Against H1N1 Influenza? Pregnant women People who live with or care for infants younger than 6 months of age Health care and emergency medical personnel Children and young adults ages 6 months through 24 years of age Anyone from 25 through 64 years of age with certain chronic medical conditions or a weakened immune system High priority people include:

9. The mission of the Houston Department of Health & Human Services is to work in partnership with the community to protect and promote the health and social well-being of all Houstonians. Protecting yourself and others from getting sick Washing your hands often with soap and water. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.Washing your hands often with soap and water. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. Avoiding close contact with sick people.Avoiding close contact with sick people. Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way. Coughing and sneezing into a tissue and throw it away promptly. If there is no tissue available, cough or sneeze into your sleeve.Coughing and sneezing into a tissue and throw it away promptly. If there is no tissue available, cough or sneeze into your sleeve. Avoiding shaking hands. Do not kiss in greeting.Avoiding shaking hands. Do not kiss in greeting. If you get sick with influenza, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.If you get sick with influenza, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. One way to keep from getting sick is to be vaccinated against both seasonal and H1N1 influenza. Other ways include:

10. The mission of the Houston Department of Health & Human Services is to work in partnership with the community to protect and promote the health and social well-being of all Houstonians. If you should get sick… If you become ill with influenza-like symptoms, you may want to contact your regular health care provider. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza treatment is needed. If you have symptoms, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others. Most people who contract the flu recover without any treatment.

11. The mission of the Houston Department of Health & Human Services is to work in partnership with the community to protect and promote the health and social well-being of all Houstonians. Seeking emergency medical care 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 children, warning signs that require urgent medical attention include:

12. The mission of the Houston Department of Health & Human Services is to work in partnership with the community to protect and promote the health and social well-being of all Houstonians. Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen Sudden dizziness Confusion Severe or persistent vomiting Seeking emergency medical care for adults In adults, warning signs that require urgent medical attention include:

13. The mission of the Houston Department of Health & Human Services is to work in partnership with the community to protect and promote the health and social well-being of all Houstonians. H1N1 Influenza Most people recover without medical treatment within 5 to 7 days.

14. The mission of the Houston Department of Health & Human Services is to work in partnership with the community to protect and promote the health and social well-being of all Houstonians. Pork and H1N1 Influenza No, you cannot get H1N1 Influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating pork that is properly handled and cooked is safe. Can people catch H1N1 Influenza from eating pork?

15. Understanding Novel H1n1 Influenza www.Houstonflu.org Questions & Answers