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Community Health Library

Community Health Library > Influenza Information
Influenza Information
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Flu Links:
 
 

 



 

Summit County H1N1 Vaccine Clinics  - Find out where to get the H1N1 Flu Vaccine in Summit County.
 
CDC 2009 H1N1 Flu - Find general information, vaccine information, and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
 
 
EBSCO Influenza - This site is constantly updated with the lastest evidence-based flu information, brought to you by EBSCO, a trusted database publisher. 
 
WHO Influenza - Get information on the avian, H1N1, and seasonal flus, including statistics and basic facts from the World Health Organization.
 
CDC Hotline: 1-800-232-4636
Ohio Department of Health: 1-866-800-1404
Barberton Health District: 330-861-7175
American Red Cross Barberton Chapter: 330-753-7766
 
 
What is influenza?
Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus. There are various strains, including the seasonal flu, the avian flu, and H1N1 (sometimes referred to as "swine flu").
 
What is swine flu?
Swine flu is the common name for a type of flu called H1N1.  It is a respiratory virus that causes regular outbreaks in pigs.  Recently, cases of human infection with H1N1 were first reported in Southern California and Texas.  Cases have also been reported internationally.  It is currently spreading from human to human.
This strain of the flu has been referred to by the following names:
swine flu
H1N1
A(H1N1)
2009 H1N1
Novel H1N1
Pandemic H1N1 2009
 
What is the difference between an epidemic and a pandemic?
An epidemic is the rapid spread of a disease that affects some or many people in a community or region at the same time, while a pandemic is an outbreak of a disease that affects large numbers of people throughout the world and spreads rapidly.
 
What are common symptoms of seasonal influenza?
High fever
Severe body aches
Headache
Extreme tiredness/fatigue
Sore throat
Cough
Runny or stuffy nose
Vomiting and/or diarrhea - this is more common in children than in adults.
Having all these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have the flu.  If you are concerned, check with your health care provider.
 
What are common symptoms of H1N1?
(These are very similar to the symptoms of regular flu.)
High fever
Severe body aches
Headache
Extreme tiredness/fatigue
Sore throat
Cough
Chills
Vomiting and/or diarrhea
Again, having all these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have H1N1.  If you are concerned, check with your health care provider.
 
What are some of the risks and complications of regular flu and H1N1?
Bacterial pneumonia
Dehydration
Worsening of chronic medical conditions
Ear infections
Sinus problems
It is possible for death to occur as the result of regular flu and H1N1.
 
How is the flu spread?
Flu viruses are spread from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people who have the flu.  Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
 
H1N1 is not spread through food.  It is safe to eat properly handled and cooked pork products.
 
How can I prevent myself from getting seasonal flu and H1N1?
WASH YOUR HANDS.  This is the most important defense against both types of flu.  Be sure to wash them often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.  Make sure you wash your hands for at least 15 to 20 seconds, and, if using hand sanitizer, keep rubbing your hands until the gel is dry.
 
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
 
Avoid contact with people who are sick.
 
Maintain good health by getting enough sleep, exercising daily, managing stress, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating a healthy diet.
 
Get a seasonal flu shot every year.  
 
You can also help to prevent the spread of both types of flu by covering your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze, and keeping yourself and your children home from work and school when you are sick.
 
What if I get the flu or H1N1?
Avoid contact with others in order to keep from spreading your illness.
If you are concerned with your symptoms, contact your health care provider.
 
The following warning signs indicate that children need emergency medical attention:
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
 
The following warning signs indicate that adults need emergency medical attention:
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting
 
Can my pet catch H1N1?
There does not appear to be any risk of cats or dogs contracting this disease.  If you do have a farm with pigs or pet pigs, be sure to monitor their health and check with your veterinarian about the need for vaccines.
 
Is there a vaccine available to prevent H1N1?
Yes, there are two types of H1N1 vaccines available. You can choose to get an H1N1 flu shot or the H1N1 nasal spray flu vaccine. It should be noted that the H1N1 vaccine does not protect against the seasonal flu.
 
Who should get the H1N1 vaccine?
It is recommended that the following groups get the H1N1 vaccine as they are at a higher risk of contracting H1N1:
Pregnant women
People who live with or are around those younger than 6 months of age (parents, sibilings, day care providers)
Health care and emergency medical services personnel
People who are between the ages of 6 months and 24 years
People between the ages of 25 and 64 who have certain medical conditions that put them at a higher risk of suffereing from influenza-related complications.
 
This page was compiled with information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (available here), the American Red Cross (available here), and the ASPCA (available here).
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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