There are many questions being asked regarding the Seasonal and the Swine Flu (H1N1 Virus). The information regarding symptoms, priority groups, vaccines is constantly updating. Below are the basics and the information we have. As updates occur, we will update the website.
- What is Swine Flu (H1N1)?
- What are the symptoms of H1N1?
- What do I do if I think I have the Seasonal Flu or the H1N1 virus?
- How long is a person infectious?
- Will the seasonal vaccine protect against the new H1N1 virus?
- Can I take the Seasonal Flu Shot and the H1N1 Virus Vaccine at the same time?
- How many shots do I need to take for the H1N1 virus?
- What is the difference between the Flu and a Cold?
What is Swine Flu?
2009 H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. On June 11, 2009, The World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a pandemic of 2009 H1N1 flu was underway.
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What are the symptoms of the H1N1 Virus?
Symptoms of swine flu are like regular flu symptoms and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. Those symptoms can also be caused by many other conditions, and that means that you and your doctor can't know, just based on your symptoms, if you've got swine flu. It takes a lab test to tell whether it's swine flu or some other condition.
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What do I do if I think I have the Seasonal Flu or the H1N1 virus?
If you live in areas where people have been identified with 2009 H1N1 flu and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people. CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Stay away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick. Staying at home means that you should not leave your home except to seek medical care. This means avoiding normal activities, including work, school, travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings.
If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed.
If you become ill and 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
How long can an infected person spread this virus to others?
People infected with seasonal and 2009 H1N1 flu shed virus and may be able to infect others from 1 day before getting sick to 5 to 7 days after. This can be longer in some people, especially children and people with weakened immune systems and in people infected with the new H1N1 virus.
| Back to Flu Information |Will the seasonal vaccine protect against the new H1N1 virus?
The seasonal vaccine is not expected to protect against the 2009 H1N1 virus because it is very different genetically from the seasonal H1N1 virus that is in this season's vaccine. That is why the government and manufacturers are producing a separate 2009 H1N1 vaccine designed to protect against the 2009 H1N1 virus.
| Back to Flu Information |Can I take the Seasonal Flu Shot and the H1N1 Virus Vaccine at the same time?
Yes and No. If you are getting the Seasonal Flu Vaccination through the shot which uses an inactivated, or dead, flu strain, then there is no waiting period necessary between the two shots. If however, you are receiving either Seasonal Flu or H1N1 vaccine via a “live” virus e.g., nasal inhalant version, then you must wait approximately 4 weeks before receiving the second type of Flu vaccination.
| Back to Flu Information |How many shots do I need to take for the H1N1 virus?
The number of shots depends on the age of the person getting vaccinated. According to the FDA, children 10 years old and under will need two doses of the vaccine. All children over the age of 10, and adults, will only need one dose of the vaccine.
What is the difference between the Flu and a Cold?
Symptom |
Cold |
Flu/H1N1 |
Fever |
Fever is rare with a cold. |
Fever is usually present with the flu in up to 80% of all flu cases. A temperature of 100°F or higher for 3 to 4 days is associated with the flu. |
Coughing |
A hacking, productive (mucus- producing) cough is often present with a cold. |
A non-productive (non-mucus producing) cough is usually present with the flu (sometimes referred to as dry cough). |
Aches |
Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold. |
Severe aches and pains are common with the flu. |
Stuffy Nose |
Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week. |
Stuffy nose is not commonly present with the flu. |
Chills |
Chills are uncommon with a cold. |
60% of people who have the flu experience chills. |
Tiredness |
Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold. |
Tiredness is moderate to severe with the flu. |
Sneezing |
Sneezing is commonly present with a cold. |
Sneezing is not common with the flu. |
Sudden Symptoms |
Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days. |
The flu has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains. |
Headache |
A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold. |
A headache is very common with the flu, present in 80% of flu cases. |
Sore Throat |
Sore throat is commonly present with a cold. |
Sore throat is not commonly present with the flu. |
Chest Discomfort |
Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold. |
Chest discomfort is often severe with the flu. |
For information and current status of the Seasonal and Swine Flu please click on the following links:
(You can also contact the Department of Health on their H1N1 Hotline for Information at: 877-377-7285)
