Frequently Asked Questions
Seasonal and H1N1 Influenzas
- What is the flu?
- Influenza, flu for short, is an extremely contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza A or B viruses. Flu appears most frequently in winter and early spring. The flu virus attacks the body by spreading through the upper and/or lower respiratory tract.
- What’s the difference between a cold and flu?
- The common cold and flu are both contagious viral infections. Although the symptoms can be similar, flu is much worse. Congestion, sore throat and sneezing are common with colds. Both colds and flu bring coughing, headache and chest discomfort. With the flu, though, you are likely to run a high fever for several days and have headache, body aches, fatigue and weakness. Usually, complications from colds are relatively minor, but a severe case of flu can lead to a life-threatening illness, such as pneumonia.
- What is the novel H1N1 flu virus?
- The novel H1N1 flu virus, similar to seasonal flu, is a respiratory disease. The novel H1N1 virus has recently spread worldwide. The virus spreads from person to person in the same manner as the seasonal flu.
- What’s the difference between the seasonal flu and the novel H1N1 virus?
- The novel H1N1 flu causes symptoms similar to those of the seasonal flu, but some people who are infected develop vomiting and diarrhea and more severe symptoms, such as pneumonia or respiratory failure. The seasonal flu vaccine is not effective against the novel H1N1 flu.
- What are the signs and symptoms of novel H1N1 flu in people?
- The symptoms of novel H1N1 flu are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with the novel H1N1 flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported from the novel H1N1 flu infections. Like seasonal flu, the novel H1N1 flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
- 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 and 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 and flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough.
- The symptoms of novel H1N1 flu are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with the novel H1N1 flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported from the novel H1N1 flu infections. Like seasonal flu, the novel H1N1 flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
- Who should get the flu shot?
- CDC recommends a yearly seasonal flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against seasonal flu. While there are many different flu viruses, the seasonal flu vaccine protects against the three seasonal viruses that research suggests will be most common. Vaccination is especially important for people at high risk of serious flu complications, including young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease and people 65 years and older. Seasonal flu vaccine is also important for healthcare workers, and other people who live with or care for high risk people to prevent giving the flu to those at high risk. A seasonal vaccine will not protect you against novel H1N1. People at greatest risk for the novel H1N1 virus include children, pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease.
- Is HCHD providing vaccines?
- Yes. HCHD will offer free seasonal flu vaccines and, when available, the novel H1N1 flu vaccine to all staff. A cost will be assessed for vaccines given to patients and the public.
- What if I get the flu?
- If you become ill with flu-like symptoms stay home and avoid contact with other people, except to seek medical care. If you have severe illness or you are at higher risk for flu complications, contact your healthcare provider or seek medical care.
- Can a flu shot cause the flu?
- No. The flu vaccine is made from an inactivated virus, so a person cannot get the flu from a flu shot. Some people may be sore at the spot where the vaccination was injected, and in a few cases, may develop a fever, muscle aches and feel unwell for a day or two. In very rare cases when a person is allergic to the vaccine, there may be an immediate reaction. The risk of a severe allergic reaction is less than 1 in 4 million.
- Will the seasonal flu vaccine also protect against the novel H1N1 flu?
- No. The seasonal flu vaccine is not expected to protect you against the H1N1 flu.
- Can the seasonal vaccine and the novel H1N1 vaccine be given at the same time?
- Both the seasonal flu and the novel H1N1 vaccines may be administered on the same day. However, the seasonal vaccine will be available earlier than the H1N1 vaccine. Individuals are encouraged to get their seasonal flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available.
- Can people get the novel H1N1 flu virus by eating food products?
- Flu viruses are not spread by eating food products like pork. Flu viruses are spread through inhalation or through touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the mouth, nose or eyes.
- What’s the best way to treat the flu?
- There’s no single best treatment for flu, but there are many ways you can ease symptoms. Prescription antiviral drugs can cut short the flu if taken when symptoms first appear. Over-the-counter cold and flu medicines can offer some relief from fever and aches. They don’t cure the flu, but may help keep you more comfortable. Decongestants help you breathe by shrinking swollen mucous membranes in your nose. Saline nasal sprays also open breathing passages. Cough preparations are not hugely effective. For minor coughs, water and fruit juices probably help the most. Note: Young people and children should not take aspirin. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and manufacturers now say that over-the-counter cough and cold medicines should not be given to children under 4. It’s very important to drink a lot of fluids to keep your body hydrated. This helps prevent another infection from setting in. Avoid drinks like coffee, tea and colas with caffeine. They rob your system of fluids. As for eating, follow your appetite. If you're not really hungry, try eating simple foods like white rice or broth.
- STAY WELL!
This information is compiled from Web sites from the
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