2009 H1N1 Virus Signs, Symptoms and Prevention

H1N1 outbreak information collected and analyzed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention supports the conclusion that this virus has caused greater disease burden in people younger than 25 years of age than older people. This is an unusual finding when compared with seasonal flu. Pregnancy and other recognized high risk medical conditions appear to be associated with increased risk of complications from the 2009 H1N1 virus. The underlying conditions are asthma, diabetes, suppressed immune systems, heart disease, kidney disease, neurocognitive and neuromuscular disorders and pregnancy.

An infected person can spread the virus from 1 day before getting sick to 5 to 7 days after, and this can be longer in some people especially children and people with weakened immune systems.

Prevention includes:

• 2009 H1N1 vaccine
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw the tissue in the trash after you use it
• Wash hand often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand gel
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs spread this way
• Avoid close contact with sick people
• If you are sick with flu-like symptoms stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or other necessities
• Stay away from others as much as possible to avoid spreading the virus
• Avoid crowds
• Be prepared in case you get sick with a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand rubs helps you avoid making trips out in public places while you are sick and contagious

Antiviral drugs are available and usually given to the more seriously ill, those with underlying medical conditions and/or those who are pregnant. Washing your hands is one of the most important steps to take to protect against germs. Wash with warm water and soap when available for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water is not available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer or disposable hand wipe to clean your hands.
Fever is a symptom for many people. A fever for an adult is an oral temperature of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees Celsius). Fever signs are chills, a flushed appearance, feeling very warm or sweating. Good fever-reducing medicines are Tylenol, ibuprofen or Motrin. When you start to feel better, increase the interval between doses of fever-reducing medicines and continue to monitor your temperature to be sure it does not return.

Main symptoms in children are:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Bluish skin color
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being extremely irritable and not wanting to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and a worse cough
• Fever with a rash

Main symptoms in adults are:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting

Swine flu parties are not recommended to gain immunity to the 2009 H1N1 flu. These parties are gatherings where people have close contact with a person who has the virus in order to become infected in the hopes of avoiding the disease if it circulates later. The CDC warns that while the disease has been mild for many people, for others it has been severe and fatal. There is no way to predict what the outcome will be for any individual.

Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only. It is not mean to diagnose or treat any kind of health problem. Consult a professional health care provider for any kind of health problem.