H1N1 Influenza Information

H1N1 Influenza Information
The novel H1N1 flu virus – formerly referred to as Swine Flu is increasingly causing illness in persons across our state.  Western Piedmont Community College is monitoring the situation and will act in accordance with information provided by federal, state and local government, and the Burke County Health Department.  Please read the following information and facts regarding the H1N1.

What is 2009 H1N1 (swine flu)?
2009 H1N1 is a new influenza virus causing illness in people.  This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in the spring of 2009.   This virus was originally referred to as “swine flu” because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs (swine) in North America.  But further study has shown that this new virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs.  It has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia and bird (avian) genes and human genes.  Scientists call this a “quadruple reassortant” virus.

The following information was obtained from the CDC web site:

Is 2009 H1N1 virus contagious?
The CDC has determined that this virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human.

How does 2009 H1N1 virus spread?
Spread of 2009 H1N1 virus is thought to occur in the same way that seasonal flu spreads.  Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza.  Sometimes people may become infected by touching something – such as a surface or object – with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in people?
The symptoms of the 2009 H1N1 flu virus in people include:
 
• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Body aches
• Headache
• Chills and fatigue

 
A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with 2009 H1N1 infection in people.

How severe is illness associated with 2009 H1N1 flu virus?
Illness with the new H1N1virus has ranged from mild to severe.  While most people who have been sick have recovered without needing medical treatment, hospitalizations and deaths from infection with this virus have occurred.

What should I do if I get sick?
If you become ill with flu-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact your health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether flu 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.  People infected with seasonal and 2009 H1N1 flu virus may be able to infect others from 1 day before getting sick to 5 to 7 days after.

Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water (15-20 seconds), especially before and after each meal and after you cough, sneeze or blow your nose. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• When you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or cloth and throw the tissue in the trash immediately after you use it. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your sleeve, not your hands, to cover your nose and mouth.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• Try to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• If you get sick with flu-like illness, the CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone.  (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)  Limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

The college will communicate further information if an outbreak of 2009 H1N1 occurs. For additional information about 2009 H1N1, use the following web sites:
• www.acha.org/info_resources/flu_H1N1_2009.cfm
• http://co.burke.nc.us/departments/health/
• www.cdc.gov/swineflu
• www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits.htm
• www.hhs.gov
• www.pandemicflu.gov
• www.redcross.org/