H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) - Caritas Christi Monitoring Status
H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) - Caritas Christi Monitoring Status
Caritas Christi has been carefully following the status of the H1N1 flu since it first arrived in the United States in April. Caritas will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates and additional information that may be helpful to you, as it becomes available. We also will make information available via this toll-free number: 866-471-8340.
H1N1 links you may find useful:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/index.htm
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health: www.mass.gov/dph/swineflu
The Boston Public Health Commission: www.bphc.org/swineflu
What You Need To Know
A great deal has been reported in the media lately about cases of H1N1 flu being reported in the United States. To help you understand what this means to you, Caritas Christi has put together answers to some questions you may have on the topic.
- What is H1N1 flu (swine flu)?
H1N1 flu is a respiratory disease in pigs caused by a type of influenza virus. Outbreaks of H1N1 flu happen regularly in pigs, but usually not in people, although human infections can and do happen.
- What are the symptoms of H1N1 flu in people?
Symptoms are very similar to the ordinary, seasonal flu with fever, body aches, cough, runny nose, sore throat, headache, chills, fatigue and decreased appetite. Some people also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.
- Is H1N1 flu contagious?
Yes. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has found that this virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. People who have H1N1 flu should be considered potentially contagious for up to seven days after getting sick. Children, especially younger children, might be contagious longer.
- How widespread is it?
In recent weeks, thousands of cases have been reported across the United States and around the world; hundreds here in New England.
- How would I know if I have H1N1 flu?
If you have flu symptoms as described above, and especially if you have been in contact with someone who has had H1N1 flu, contact your physician. He or she will decide what type of testing and treatment you may need. If you need help finding a physician to see you, call the Caritas DoctorFinder at 1-800-488-5959 or at www.CaritasChristi.org.
- Is H1N1 flu treatable?
People sick with any type of flu should make sure to drink enough fluids, get plenty of rest, eat healthy foods, wash hands frequently and stay home to avoid spreading the flu to other people. The kinds of drugs used to treat seasonal flu, called antivirals, can also be used to treat H1N1 flu.
- Will the flu vaccine I got this year protect me from H1N1 flu?
It is unlikely, but not fully known if this year’s flu vaccine will protect against H1N1 flu.
- How can I protect myself and others from H1N1 flu?
To protect yourself and prevent the spread of H1N1 flu:
- Avoid hugging, kissing, or shaking hands with anyone who has a cold or the flu.
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes.
- Clean things that are touched often like door handles, telephones, etc.
- If you get sick with a flu-like illness, stay home from work and school and avoid contact with others so the virus does not spread.