(H1N1) Influenza A Virus
Press Releases
* 02/26/10: H1N1 Walk-in Clinic Dates
* 01/08/10: H1N1 Intranasal Vaccine Recall
* 12/15/09: H1N1 Pediatric Vaccine Recall
* 12/8/09: H1N1 Vaccine Now Available For Everyone
* 11/24/09: Canadian H1N1 Vaccine Recall Clarification
* 10/30/09: Bay County Healthcare Providers Enrolled in the H1N1 Vaccination Program
H1N1 Vaccine Information
* Nasal Spray Vaccine Information Sheet
* Flu Shot Vaccine Information Sheet
General Public Education
* Information for Concerned Parents & Caregivers
* Family Preparedness Guidance
* Resources for Pregnant Women
Childcare, Schools, Colleges, and Universities
* Resources for Childcare Programs, Schools, Colleges, and Universities
Protocols & Education for Physicians
* 10 Steps You Can Take: Actions for Novel H1N1 Influenza Planning and Response for Medical Offices and Outpatient Facilities
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/10steps.htm
* Considerations Regarding Novel H1N1 Flu Virus in Obstetric Settings
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/obstetric.htm
* Home Care Guidance: Physician Directions to Patient/Parent
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare_directions.htm
* UPDATED Intermin Guidance: Pregnant Women and H1N1 (Swine Influenza): Considerations for Clinicians Pregnant women with H1N1 influenza would be expected to present with typical acute respiratory illness (e.g., cough, sore throat, rhinorrhea) and fever or feverishness. Many pregnant women will go on to have a typical course of uncomplicated influenza. However, for some pregnant women, illness might progress rapidly, and might be complicated by secondary bacterial infections including pneumonia. http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/clinician_pregnant.htm
* H1N1 Flu and Patients With Cardiovasular Disease (Heart Disease and Stroke): Intermin Guidance and Considerations for Health Care Providers and for State and Local Public Health Agencies:
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/cardiovascular.htm
Business & Government
* Resources for Businesses & Employers
For more information about what Michigan is doing, please visit www.michigan.gov/mdch and choose the "Michigan's Influenza A H1N1 Page" in the center of the page.
What is H1N1 Influenza A?
H1N1 Influenza A is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses and has a major economic impact on the swine industry in the United States. Flu outbreaks in pigs are common, especially during winter months. People do not normally get H1N1 Influenza A, but human infections can and do happen. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has determined that the H1N1 Influenza A virus currently circulating is contagious and is spreading from human to human.
What are the sympoms of H1N1 Influenza A?
The symptoms of H1N1 Influenza A in people 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 swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 influenza A may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
How is H1N1 Influenza A spread?
Spread of this H1N1 Influenza A virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
Can people catch H1N1 Influenza A from eating pork?
No. H1N1 Influenza A viruses are not transmitted by food. You can not get H1N1 Influenza A from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Farenheit kills the H1N1 Influenza A virus as it does other bacteria and viruses.
CDC recommends the following for flu prevention:
* 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.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
* Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
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
* Flu-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
The Bay County Health Department is receiving frequent updates from the CDC, and is working with the Michigan Department of Community Health to monitor the situation and immediately follow up on any suspected cases. For more information on H1N1 Infuenza A, please visit the CDC’s website at: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/.
For more information, please click on the following links:
Michigan Department of Agriculture - Activities Associated with Influenza A (H1N1) FAQ
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mda/H1N1-QnA_276742_7.pdf
FDA, FTC Warn Public of Fraudelant 2009 H1N1 Influenza Products
http://www.fda.gov/oci/flucontact.html
Managing Anxiety About Swine Flu - American Psychological Association
http://www.apahelpcenter.org/articles/pdf.php?id=194
What to Do If You Get Flu-Like Symptoms:
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/sick.htm
Novel H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) and Feeding your Baby: What Parents Should Know:
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/breastfeeding.htm
Advice for Parents on Talking to Children About Novel H1N1 Flu Concerns
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/talkingtokids.htm