Seasonal flu viruses change from year to year, but they closely resemble each other. Because H1N1 is a new flu virus, most people have little or no immunity.

Like other flu viruss, H1N1 spreadh from person to person through coughing, sneezing and touching objects contaminated by the virus.

Novel H1N1 was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. Novel H1N1 flu is causing people younger than 25 years of age to be sicker than older persons.

Currently, there are few cases and few deaths reported in people older than 64 years old, which is unusual when compared with seasonal flu.

Will the seasonal flu vaccine protect me from H1N1 influenza?

A seasonal flu shot does NOT prevent the novel H1N1 influenza.

Who is at risk?

These health conditions put people at risk for complications from H1N1:

• Pregnancy
• Asthma
• Diabetes
• Suppressed immune systems (Cancer or transplant patients)
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Neurological disorders

What are the symptoms?

• fever equal to or greater than 100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C)
  AND
• extreme tiredness
• muscle aches
• coughing
• sore throat
• runny nose
• sometimes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

How does it spread?

• Spread of the H1N1 virus is thought to be from person to person through coughing or sneezing like the seasonal flu
• 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 one day before getting sick and up to seven or more days after getting sick. This means that you can give someone the flu before you know you’re sick as well as while you are sick.

How do I prevent H1N1?

• Clean your hands
• Try to stay in good general health
• Get plenty of sleep
• Be physically active
• Manage your stress
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Eat nutritious food
• Don’t touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay home when you are sick
• Don’t cover your mouth and nose with your hand when coughing or sneezing, use a tissue or shirt sleeve.
• Germs are often spread when a person touches something that has germs on it and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth