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2009 H1N1 Influenza
Information for the Wisconsin Public
Local health officials are working closely with state and federal health authorities. Most of the cases in the United States have been mild to moderate. See information on cases in other states at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) web site.
2009 H1N1 Influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza that regularly cause outbreaks of influenza among pigs. Influenza A H1N1 viruses do not normally infect people, but human infections with Influenza A H1N1 do occur. The (CDC) has determined that this swine flu virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it is not known how easily the virus spreads between people.
Seasonal and Novel H1N1 Flu: A Guide for Parents (PDF) is an informative brochure prepared by the CDC available for downloading and printing. A "Family Toolkit" (Word) created by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services is also available.
For an explanation about the Novel H1N1 Flu vaccine, click here.
What are the symptoms of 2009 H1N1 Influenza?
The symptoms of2009 H1N1 Influenza in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human influenza and include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Body aches
- Headache
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with 2009 H1N1 Influenza
In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with 2009 H1N1 Influenza infection in people. Like seasonal influenza, 2009 H1N1 Influenza may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
How serious is 2009 H1N1 Influenza infection?Like seasonal influenza, 2009 H1N1 Influenza in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Between 2005 until January 2009, 12 human cases of Influenza A H1N1 were detected in the U.S. with no deaths occurring. However, 2009 H1N1 Influenza infection can be serious.
How do you catch 2009 H1N1 Influenza?
Spread of 2009 H1N1 Influenza can occur in two ways:
- Through contact with infected pigs or environments contaminated with 2009 H1N1 Influenza viruses.
- Through contact with a person with 2009 H1N1 Influenza. Human-to-human spread of 2009 H1N1 Influenza has been documented also and is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal influenza. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
Are there medicines to treat 2009 H1N1 Influenza?
Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these 2009 H1N1 Influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the influenza by keeping influenza viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious influenza complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).
How long can an infected person spread 2009 H1N1 Influenza to others?People with 2009 H1N1 Influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
Types of Influenza
Don't be confused by the different types of influenza in the news.
- Seasonal Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses.
- 2009 H1N1 Influenza - See our fact sheet.
- Avian Influenza is deadly to domestic fowl. Very rarely it can be transmitted from birds to humans.
- Pandemic Influenza is influenza that causes a global outbreak, or pandemic, of serious illness that spreads easily from person to person. Currently there is no pandemic influenza.
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
- 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 cleaners are also effective.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
What should I do if I get sick?
If you become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.
If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.
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 skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Influenza-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
- Fever with a rash
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
Can I get 2009 H1N1 Influenzafrom eating or preparing pork?
No. 2009 H1N1 Influenzaviruses are not spread by food. You cannot get 2009 H1N1 Influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.
