H1N1 Influenza (swine flu) is a strain of flu found in pigs.
H1N1 flu is caused by type A influenza that regularly causes
outbreaks of the flu in pigs. The H1N1 flu can typically
produce large numbers of illnesses with a low amounts of
deaths.
No. H1N1 influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. You
cannot get H1N1 influenza from eating pork or pork products.
Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products
is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160°F
kills the H1N1 flu virus as it does other bacteria and viruses.
The H1N1 flu can spread from person to person in the same
fashion as seasonal influenza. The influenza virus is active
in droplets produced by coughing and sneezing. This Does
Not mean that the air is saturated with the virus; simply
that you should keep a distance from people who are sneezing
and coughing. People may also become infected by touching
something with the virus on it (such as a counter top) and
then by touching their mouth, nose or eyes.
Symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to seasonal influenza and
may include: general weakness, fever, loss of appetite, coughing
and sneezing. Some symptoms associated with confirmed cases
of H1N1 flu have included runny nose, sore throat, nausea,
vomiting and diarrhea.
The incubation period is 1-3 days for most influenza A viruses.
It is possible for persons with H1N1 flu to be contagious
for up to 7 days after showing signs and symptoms of the
H1N1 flu. Anyone who is ill longer than 7 days should be
considered contagious and should avoid contact with other
people until the illness is resolved. Children may also be
contagious for longer periods of time.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends people
with H1N1 flu symptoms remain home for at
least 24 hours after their fever is gone, without the use
of fever reducing medicine. A fever is defined as having
a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 37.8 degrees Celsius
or greater.*
*Health care workers however should remain home for the
first 7 days after the illness onset.
•Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing
or coughing.
•Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs are
easily spread this way.
•Wash your hands often and after you sneeze. Hand sanitizer
is effective as well.
•Keep a distance from person who is sneezing and coughing.
•If you are ill with the H1N1 flu virus, stay home to
avoid infecting others.
Any strain of influenza can produce deaths, usually in those
who have underdeveloped immune systems (such as infants and
very young children) and those with weakened immune systems
(such as the elderly or those with prior immune deficiencies).
The CDC has determined that the H1N1 flu found in all the
confirmed cases in United States was milder than those found
in other countries. To date in all US cases, the persons
made full recovery without receiving treatment.
As with any virus, there is no cure; there is however treatment
available for severe cases. The Saint Barnabas Health Care
System is receiving regular updates from the New Jersey Department
of Heath (NJ DOH) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
and is making preparations in the event New Jersey experiences
a large amount of H1N1 flu cases.
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