H1N1 Influenza Frequently Asked Questions

The following are frequently asked questions and answers about Swine Flu which were updated as of May 6:

What are the symptoms of swine flu in people?
Presently it appears that swine flu causes symptoms very similar to regular seasonal flu. The most common symptoms of swine flu, like seasonal flu, are fever, cough, and sore throat and can include body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people also have diarrhea or vomiting.

What is the treatment if I am experiencing flu-like symptoms?
Like seasonal flu, presently it is expected that most people with swine flu will experience only mild illness and recover without needing medical care. However, if you have severe symptoms or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider who can determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed. People at higher risk of serious complications from flu include people age 65 years and older, children younger than 5 years old, pregnant women, people of any age with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), and people who are immunosuppressed.

How should I care for myself or a family member who has mild flu-like symptoms and is not at high risk for flu complications?
Click on the link "'Flu: What Can You Do' Series" on the right to get to more information about how to care for people at home with any type of flu. People sick with flu should make sure to drink enough fluids, get plenty of rest, eat healthy foods, wash hands frequently and stay home to avoid spreading the flu to other people.

Are there warning signs I should watch for that might indicate I should call my doctor?
If you experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.

In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

Fast breathing or trouble breathing
Bluish or gray skin color
Not drinking enough fluids
Severe or persistent vomiting
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

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

Difficulty breathing 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

If I am experiencing flu-like symptoms, how long am I contagious?
At the current time, CDC believes that this virus has the same properties in terms of spread as seasonal flu viruses. With seasonal flu, studies have shown that people may be contagious from one day before they develop symptoms to up to 7 days after they get sick. If you are sick with a flu-like illness, stay home for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been fever-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. In general you should avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness.

How can I protect myself and others from swine flu?
You can protect yourself and others from swine flu the same way that you can protect yourself from seasonal flu.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you are sick, stay at home for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been fever-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.

Is there a vaccine for swine flu?
No. Right now there is no vaccine for swine flu. According to CDC, it is unlikely that the vaccine for seasonal flu will prevent swine flu. However presently it appears most people with swine flu are experiencing only mild illness and will recover without needing medical care.