What is Pandemic H1N1 (Swine) Flu?
Pandemic H1N1 (swine) flu is a respiratory infection caused by a new flu virus responsible for large outbreaks in many parts of the world. It has led to many hospitalizations and some deaths in certain parts of the U.S. population.What is the difference between seasonal Flu and H1N1 (swine) flu?
L.A. County Dept Public Health FAQs-H1N1 (PDF – English)
Important Updates (PDF – Spanish)
You should get the H1N1 Vaccine if you belong to the priority groups detailed in the PDFs below…
Priority Groups (PDF – English)
Priority Groups (PDF – Spanish)
What are the symptoms of H1N1 (swine) Flu?
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Temperature of 101.4 degrees F or higher
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Chills
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Fatigue
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Cough
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Sore throat
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Runny nose
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Body aches
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Head ache
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Trouble breathing
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Diarrhea and/or vomiting
Why should you be concerned?
H1N1 (swine) flu is a new flu virus and people have little or no immunity. If this new flu virus begins to spread easily person-to-person, it could sweep across the country and around the world in a very short time. This would cause an influenza pandemic.
At this time, we do not know how serious it will be or how long it will last. As more people become infected, the risk of exposure to the public becomes greater.
What should I do if I think I am sick?
• If you have a fever of 101.4°F or higher and one of the symptoms listed above, call your doctor or medical provider. Your doctor may have you come in for an appointment and test you for influenza. Your physician will decide whether influenza antiviral treatment is needed.
• If you’re sick – stay home from work or school. It is important to limit contact with other people, so you don’t spread germs to others.
• If you have flu symptoms and need to go to a medical appointment, use a surgical mask or cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough, and throw the tissue in the trash afterward.
• If you are feeling sick and you don’t have a fever, its best to stay home from work or school, get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids. If your symptoms get worse, call your physician or medical provider.
When to call your doctor.
What can I do to prevent getting sick?
• Wash your hands with soap and hot water to get rid of germs and prevent the spread of disease, especially after coughing and sneezing. If you do not have soap and water, use a waterless hand gel with an alcohol base of at least 60%.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue whenever you sneeze and cough. Throw the tissue away in a waste basket. If you do not have a tissue, sneeze or cough into the fold of your elbow, without using your hands.
• Avoid kissing or shaking hands when greeting people, and do not share food, drinks or utensils.
• Keep common areas clean; places such as kitchen counters, bathrooms, door handles, toys, telephones and other household ítems.
• Allow fresh air to flow into your home or at work by opening screened windows and doors.
For more information: H1N1 (swine) flu information has been posted to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s web site: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/H1N1
Or dial LA County Info Line: 211 (from any landline or cell phone)
Information is also available at the following health agencies/websites:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
(800) CDC-INFO or (800) 232-4636
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/update.htm
California Department of Public Health
(888) 865-0564
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