What is 2009 H1N1 (swine flu)?
2009 H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a pandemic of 2009 H1N1 flu was underway.
Why is 2009 H1N1 virus sometimes called “swine flu”?
This virus was originally referred to as “swine flu” because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs (swine) in North America. But further study has shown that this new virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs. It has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia and bird (avian) genes and human genes. Scientists call this a "quadruple reassortant" virus.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
FDA and Personal Protection Equipment for the 2009 H1N1 Flu Virus Questions and Answers
FDA and Personal Protection Equipment for the 2009 H1N1 Flu Virus Questions and Answers
Q: What are facemasks and N95 respirators?
Facemasks and N95 respirators are devices that when properly worn may help prevent the spread of germs (viruses and bacteria) from one person to another.
Facemasks and N95 respirators do not provide complete protection from airborne germs and other contaminants. They are one part of an infection-control strategy that should also include frequent hand washing, social distancing, and staying home when sick.
Facemasks and N95 respirators should not be shared. Facemasks and respirators may become contaminated with germs (viruses and bacteria) that can be spread between people.
It is important to understand that if you are exposed to infectious material while wearing a facemask or N95 respirator, it should be considered contaminated. After you remove it and dispose of it properly, wash your hands thoroughly.
Q: What’s the difference between a facemask and an N95 respirator?
A facemask is a loose-fitting, disposable device that creates a physical barrier between the mouth and nose of the wearer and potential contaminants in the immediate environment.
If worn properly, a facemask is meant to help block large-particle droplets, splashes, sprays or splatter that may contain germs (viruses and bacteria) from reaching your mouth and nose. Facemasks may also help reduce exposure of your saliva and respiratory secretions to others.
While a facemask may be effective in blocking splashes and large-particle droplets, a facemask, by design, does not filter or block very small particles in the air that may be transmitted by coughs, sneezes or certain medical procedures. Facemasks also do not provide complete protection from germs and other contaminants because of the loose fit between the surface of the facemask and your face.
An N95 respirator is a respiratory protective device designed to achieve a very close facial fit and efficient filtration of airborne particles. In addition to blocking splashes, sprays and large droplets, the respirator is also designed to help prevent the wearer from breathing in small particles that may be in the air.
To work as expected, an N95 respirator requires a proper fit to your face. It is designed to fit tightly over your mouth and nose, with no gaps. And gaps will allow air to pass around and reach your nose, mouth, and lungs without being filtered.
The ‘N95’ designation means that when subjected to careful testing, the respirator blocks at least 95 percent of small test particles. If properly fitted, the filtration capabilities of N95 respirators exceed those of face masks. However, even a properly fitted N95 respirator does not completely eliminate the risk of contracting illness through airborne viral particles.
N95 respirators are not designed for children or people with facial hair. Because a proper fit cannot be achieved on children and people with facial hair, the N95 respirator may not provide the expected protection. Also, people with chronic respiratory, cardiac, or other medical conditions that make it harder to breathe should check with their healthcare provider before using an N95 respirator because the N95 respirator can require more effort to breathe.
FDA has cleared the following N95 respirators for use by the general public in public health medical emergencies:
• 3M™ Particulate Respirator 8670F
• 3M™ Particulate Respirator 8612F
• Pasture Tm F550G Respirator
• Pasture Tm A520G Respirator
These devices are labeled "NOT for occupational use.”
Q: Do N95 respirators reduce the chances of contracting the 2009 H1N1 flu virus?
When worn properly, N95 respirators help reduce your exposure to airborne germs. They do not provide complete protection from airborne germs and other contaminants, however. They are one part of an infection-control strategy that should also include frequent hand washing and staying home when sick.
Q: Is it OK to use one disposable N95 respirator for a long time?
Disposable N95 respirators are not intended to be used over long periods of time. If the respirator is damaged, torn or soiled, or if it becomes difficult to breathe while wearing it, remove it and replace it with a new one.
It is important to understand that if you are exposed to infectious material while wearing an N95 respirator, your respirator should be considered contaminated. After you remove it and dispose of it properly, wash your hands thoroughly.
Additional references on this can be found at the following:
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
"Recommendations for Facemask and Respirator Use in Certain Community Settings Where H1N1 Flu Virus Transmission Has Been Detected"
“The Department of Health and Human Services Guidelines for the Use of Facemasks and Respirators in Non-Occupational Settings during an Influenza Pandemic”
Q: Is it OK to re-use or share a disposable N95 respirator?
Disposable N95 respirators are not intended to be used more than once. They should also never be shared. Their protective capabilities cannot be assured when they are reused either by yourself or another person. Perhaps more importantly, by sharing, one may inadvertently be exposing another person to infectious material.
It is important to understand that if you are exposed to infectious material while wearing an N95 respirator, your respirator should be considered contaminated. After you remove it and dispose of it properly, wash your hands thoroughly.
Q: What other personal protective equipment does FDA regulate?
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is any type of face mask, glove, eye shield, or specialized clothing that acts as a barrier between infectious materials and the skin, mouth, nose, or eyes (mucous membranes). When used properly, PPE can help prevent the spread of infection from blood, body fluids, or respiratory secretions.
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to provide appropriate PPE for workers who could be exposed to blood or other infectious materials (bloodborne pathogens). OSHA may also require employers to provide PPE to protect against other hazards at work. Although OSHA requires the use of specific equipment, it does not regulate the marketing of these devices nor grant claims of disease prevention. For more information, go to OSHA Website
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) gives recommendations for protecting yourself from infection, including swine flu.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has established certification requirements for various respiratory PPE, which are found at 42 CFR part 84. NIOSH tests products for compliance with these regulations and issues a certification for products that comply. NIOSH certification evaluates the performance of respiratory protection equipment in functional terms and not in terms of claims for use in preventing disease. Employers subject to OSHA and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) regulation may be required to provide NIOSH-certified respiratory protection equipment to satisfy their OSHA and MSHA requirements.
Q: Where can I find additional information on personal protective equipment (PPE)?
More information on: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Q: What is the purpose of the FDA's Emergency Use Authorization for certain N95 disposable respirators?
A: The FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for certain disposable respirators known as N95 respirators. This EUA permits the deployment of these products, accompanied by fact sheets with information for use during the 2009 H1N1 flu virus emergency, from the Strategic National Stockpile for use by the general public to help reduce wearer exposure to airborne germs during this emergency. The term "general public" in this EUA is broad and includes people performing work-related duties.
Q: Does the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization for certain disposable N95 respirators cover only products in the Strategic National Stockpile?
A: The FDA’s EUA for certain disposable N95 respirators for use by the general public during the 2009 H1N1 flu emergency is limited to only those products deployed from the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) before or after the signing of the EUA on April 27, 2009. The specific products covered by the EUA are identified by manufacturer and model number
Q: Does the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization for certain disposable N95 respirators permit them to be re-used in health care settings?
A: The FDA’s EUA for certain disposable N95 respirators for use by the general public does not permit the re-use of N95 respirators.
Q: Does the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization for certain disposable N95 respirators cover health care employees?
A: Yes, the term "general public" in this EUA is broad and includes people performing work-related duties, for example in occupational health care settings. However, this EUA does not affect Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements. If respirators are used for people in occupational settings, employers must comply with the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard, (29 CFR 1910.134), which can be found at OSHA Website
Q: Does the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization for certain disposable N95 respirators lift the fit-testing requirements?
A: No, the EUA does not waive fit testing and other OSHA requirements that apply when respirators are used for people performing work-related duties.
The FDA’s EUA and accompanying fact sheet can be found on the FDA’s Web site. For further information on OSHA requirements, go to OSHA Website
Q: What are facemasks and N95 respirators?
Facemasks and N95 respirators are devices that when properly worn may help prevent the spread of germs (viruses and bacteria) from one person to another.
Facemasks and N95 respirators do not provide complete protection from airborne germs and other contaminants. They are one part of an infection-control strategy that should also include frequent hand washing, social distancing, and staying home when sick.
Facemasks and N95 respirators should not be shared. Facemasks and respirators may become contaminated with germs (viruses and bacteria) that can be spread between people.
It is important to understand that if you are exposed to infectious material while wearing a facemask or N95 respirator, it should be considered contaminated. After you remove it and dispose of it properly, wash your hands thoroughly.
Q: What’s the difference between a facemask and an N95 respirator?
A facemask is a loose-fitting, disposable device that creates a physical barrier between the mouth and nose of the wearer and potential contaminants in the immediate environment.
If worn properly, a facemask is meant to help block large-particle droplets, splashes, sprays or splatter that may contain germs (viruses and bacteria) from reaching your mouth and nose. Facemasks may also help reduce exposure of your saliva and respiratory secretions to others.
While a facemask may be effective in blocking splashes and large-particle droplets, a facemask, by design, does not filter or block very small particles in the air that may be transmitted by coughs, sneezes or certain medical procedures. Facemasks also do not provide complete protection from germs and other contaminants because of the loose fit between the surface of the facemask and your face.
An N95 respirator is a respiratory protective device designed to achieve a very close facial fit and efficient filtration of airborne particles. In addition to blocking splashes, sprays and large droplets, the respirator is also designed to help prevent the wearer from breathing in small particles that may be in the air.
To work as expected, an N95 respirator requires a proper fit to your face. It is designed to fit tightly over your mouth and nose, with no gaps. And gaps will allow air to pass around and reach your nose, mouth, and lungs without being filtered.
The ‘N95’ designation means that when subjected to careful testing, the respirator blocks at least 95 percent of small test particles. If properly fitted, the filtration capabilities of N95 respirators exceed those of face masks. However, even a properly fitted N95 respirator does not completely eliminate the risk of contracting illness through airborne viral particles.
N95 respirators are not designed for children or people with facial hair. Because a proper fit cannot be achieved on children and people with facial hair, the N95 respirator may not provide the expected protection. Also, people with chronic respiratory, cardiac, or other medical conditions that make it harder to breathe should check with their healthcare provider before using an N95 respirator because the N95 respirator can require more effort to breathe.
FDA has cleared the following N95 respirators for use by the general public in public health medical emergencies:
• 3M™ Particulate Respirator 8670F
• 3M™ Particulate Respirator 8612F
• Pasture Tm F550G Respirator
• Pasture Tm A520G Respirator
These devices are labeled "NOT for occupational use.”
Q: Do N95 respirators reduce the chances of contracting the 2009 H1N1 flu virus?
When worn properly, N95 respirators help reduce your exposure to airborne germs. They do not provide complete protection from airborne germs and other contaminants, however. They are one part of an infection-control strategy that should also include frequent hand washing and staying home when sick.
Q: Is it OK to use one disposable N95 respirator for a long time?
Disposable N95 respirators are not intended to be used over long periods of time. If the respirator is damaged, torn or soiled, or if it becomes difficult to breathe while wearing it, remove it and replace it with a new one.
It is important to understand that if you are exposed to infectious material while wearing an N95 respirator, your respirator should be considered contaminated. After you remove it and dispose of it properly, wash your hands thoroughly.
Additional references on this can be found at the following:
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
"Recommendations for Facemask and Respirator Use in Certain Community Settings Where H1N1 Flu Virus Transmission Has Been Detected"
“The Department of Health and Human Services Guidelines for the Use of Facemasks and Respirators in Non-Occupational Settings during an Influenza Pandemic”
Q: Is it OK to re-use or share a disposable N95 respirator?
Disposable N95 respirators are not intended to be used more than once. They should also never be shared. Their protective capabilities cannot be assured when they are reused either by yourself or another person. Perhaps more importantly, by sharing, one may inadvertently be exposing another person to infectious material.
It is important to understand that if you are exposed to infectious material while wearing an N95 respirator, your respirator should be considered contaminated. After you remove it and dispose of it properly, wash your hands thoroughly.
Q: What other personal protective equipment does FDA regulate?
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is any type of face mask, glove, eye shield, or specialized clothing that acts as a barrier between infectious materials and the skin, mouth, nose, or eyes (mucous membranes). When used properly, PPE can help prevent the spread of infection from blood, body fluids, or respiratory secretions.
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to provide appropriate PPE for workers who could be exposed to blood or other infectious materials (bloodborne pathogens). OSHA may also require employers to provide PPE to protect against other hazards at work. Although OSHA requires the use of specific equipment, it does not regulate the marketing of these devices nor grant claims of disease prevention. For more information, go to OSHA Website
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) gives recommendations for protecting yourself from infection, including swine flu.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has established certification requirements for various respiratory PPE, which are found at 42 CFR part 84. NIOSH tests products for compliance with these regulations and issues a certification for products that comply. NIOSH certification evaluates the performance of respiratory protection equipment in functional terms and not in terms of claims for use in preventing disease. Employers subject to OSHA and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) regulation may be required to provide NIOSH-certified respiratory protection equipment to satisfy their OSHA and MSHA requirements.
Q: Where can I find additional information on personal protective equipment (PPE)?
More information on: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Q: What is the purpose of the FDA's Emergency Use Authorization for certain N95 disposable respirators?
A: The FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for certain disposable respirators known as N95 respirators. This EUA permits the deployment of these products, accompanied by fact sheets with information for use during the 2009 H1N1 flu virus emergency, from the Strategic National Stockpile for use by the general public to help reduce wearer exposure to airborne germs during this emergency. The term "general public" in this EUA is broad and includes people performing work-related duties.
Q: Does the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization for certain disposable N95 respirators cover only products in the Strategic National Stockpile?
A: The FDA’s EUA for certain disposable N95 respirators for use by the general public during the 2009 H1N1 flu emergency is limited to only those products deployed from the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) before or after the signing of the EUA on April 27, 2009. The specific products covered by the EUA are identified by manufacturer and model number
Q: Does the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization for certain disposable N95 respirators permit them to be re-used in health care settings?
A: The FDA’s EUA for certain disposable N95 respirators for use by the general public does not permit the re-use of N95 respirators.
Q: Does the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization for certain disposable N95 respirators cover health care employees?
A: Yes, the term "general public" in this EUA is broad and includes people performing work-related duties, for example in occupational health care settings. However, this EUA does not affect Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements. If respirators are used for people in occupational settings, employers must comply with the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard, (29 CFR 1910.134), which can be found at OSHA Website
Q: Does the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization for certain disposable N95 respirators lift the fit-testing requirements?
A: No, the EUA does not waive fit testing and other OSHA requirements that apply when respirators are used for people performing work-related duties.
The FDA’s EUA and accompanying fact sheet can be found on the FDA’s Web site. For further information on OSHA requirements, go to OSHA Website
Steps to Lessen the Spread of Flu in the Home
Steps to Lessen the Spread of Flu in the Home
When providing care to a household member who is sick with influenza, the most important ways to protect yourself and others who are not sick are to:
• keep the sick person away from other people as much as possible (see “placement of the sick person”) especially others who are at high risk for complications from influenza
• remind the sick person to cover their coughs, and clean their hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub often, especially after coughing and/or sneezing
• have everyone in the household clean their hands often, using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub. Children may need reminders or help keeping their hands clean
• ask your health care provider if household contacts of the sick person—particularly those contacts who may be pregnant or have chronic health conditions—should take antiviral medications such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) or zanamivir (Relenza®) to prevent the flu
• If you are in a high risk group for complications from influenza, you should attempt to avoid close contact (within 6 feet) with household members who are sick with influenza. If close contact with a sick individual is unavoidable, consider wearing a facemask or respirator, if available and tolerable. Infants should not be cared for by sick family members. For more information, see the Interim Recommendations for Facemask and Respirator Use
Placement of the sick person
• Keep the sick person in a room separate from the common areas of the house. (For example, a spare bedroom with its own bathroom, if that’s possible.) Keep the sickroom door closed.
• Unless necessary for medical care or other necessities, people who are sick with an influenza-like-illness should stay home and keep away from others as much as possible, including avoiding travel, for at least 24 hours after fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine). This is to keep from making others sick. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
• If persons with the flu need to leave the home (for example, for medical care), they should wear a facemask, if available and tolerable, and cover their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
• Have the sick person wear a facemask – if available and tolerable – if they need to be in a common area of the house near other persons.
• If possible, sick persons should use a separate bathroom. This bathroom should be cleaned daily with household disinfectant (see below).
Protect other persons in the home
• The sick person should not have visitors other than caregivers. A phone call is safer than a visit.
• If possible, have only one adult in the home take care of the sick person. People at increased risk of severe illness from flu should not be the designated caretaker, if possible.
• If you are in a high risk group for complications from influenza, you should attempt to avoid close contact (within 6 feet) with household members who are sick with influenza. If close contact with a sick individual is unavoidable, consider wearing a facemask or respirator, if available and tolerable. For more information, see the Interim Recommendations for Facemask and Respirator Use.
• Avoid having pregnant women care for the sick person. (Pregnant women are at increased risk of influenza-related complications and immunity can be suppressed during pregnancy).
• Avoid having sick family members care for infants and other groups at high risk for complications of influenza.
• All persons in the household should clean their hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub* frequently, including after every contact with the sick person or the person’s room or bathroom.
• Use paper towels for drying hands after hand washing or dedicate cloth towels to each person in the household. For example, have different colored towels for each person.
• If possible, consideration should be given to maintaining good ventilation in shared household areas (e.g., keeping windows open in restrooms, kitchen, bathroom, etc.).
• Antiviral medications can be used to prevent the flu, so check with your health care provider to see if some persons in the home should use antiviral medications.
If you are the caregiver
• Avoid being face-to-face with the sick person.
• When holding small children who are sick, place their chin on your shoulder so that they will not cough in your face.
• Clean your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub* after you touch the sick person or handle used tissues, or laundry.
• Talk to your health care provider about taking antiviral medication to prevent the caregiver from getting the flu.
• If you are at high risk of influenza associated complications, you should not be the designated caretaker, if possible.
• If you are in a high risk group for complications from influenza, you should attempt to avoid close contact (within 6 feet) with household members who are sick with influenza. Designate a person who is not at high risk of flu associated complications as the primary caretaker of household members who are sick with influenza, if at all possible. If close contact with a sick individual is unavoidable, consider wearing a facemask or respirator, if available and tolerable. For more information, see the Interim Recommendations for Facemask and Respirator Use
• Monitor yourself and household members for flu symptoms and contact a telephone hotline or health care provider if symptoms occur.
Using Facemasks or Respirators
• Avoid close contact (less than about 6 feet away) with the sick person as much as possible.
• If you must have close contact with the sick person (for example, hold a sick infant), spend the least amount of time possible in close contact and try to wear a facemask (for example, surgical mask) or N95 disposable respirator.
• An N95 respirator that fits snugly on your face can filter out small particles that can be inhaled around the edges of a facemask, but compared with a facemask it is harder to breathe through an N95 mask for long periods of time. More information on facemasks and respirators can be found at H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) website.
• Facemasks and respirators may be purchased at a pharmacy, building supply or hardware store.
• Wear an N95 respirator if you help a sick person with respiratory treatments using a nebulizer or inhaler, as directed by their doctor. Respiratory treatments should be performed in a separate room away from common areas of the house when at all possible.
• Used facemasks and N95 respirators should be taken off and placed immediately in the regular trash so they don’t touch anything else.
• Avoid re-using disposable facemasks and N95 respirators, if possible. If a reusable fabric facemask is used, it should be laundered with normal laundry detergent and tumble-dried in a hot dryer.
• After you take off a facemask or N95 respirator, clean your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• For more information, see the Interim Recommendations for Facemask and Respirator Use
Household Cleaning, Laundry, and Waste Disposal
• Throw away tissues and other disposable items used by the sick person in the trash. Wash your hands after touching used tissues and similar waste.
• Keep surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, and toys for children) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label.
• Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but importantly these items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first.
• Wash linens (such as bed sheets and towels) by using household laundry soap and tumble dry on a hot setting. Avoid “hugging” laundry prior to washing it to prevent contaminating yourself. Clean your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub right after handling dirty laundry.
• Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap.
When providing care to a household member who is sick with influenza, the most important ways to protect yourself and others who are not sick are to:
• keep the sick person away from other people as much as possible (see “placement of the sick person”) especially others who are at high risk for complications from influenza
• remind the sick person to cover their coughs, and clean their hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub often, especially after coughing and/or sneezing
• have everyone in the household clean their hands often, using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub. Children may need reminders or help keeping their hands clean
• ask your health care provider if household contacts of the sick person—particularly those contacts who may be pregnant or have chronic health conditions—should take antiviral medications such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) or zanamivir (Relenza®) to prevent the flu
• If you are in a high risk group for complications from influenza, you should attempt to avoid close contact (within 6 feet) with household members who are sick with influenza. If close contact with a sick individual is unavoidable, consider wearing a facemask or respirator, if available and tolerable. Infants should not be cared for by sick family members. For more information, see the Interim Recommendations for Facemask and Respirator Use
Placement of the sick person
• Keep the sick person in a room separate from the common areas of the house. (For example, a spare bedroom with its own bathroom, if that’s possible.) Keep the sickroom door closed.
• Unless necessary for medical care or other necessities, people who are sick with an influenza-like-illness should stay home and keep away from others as much as possible, including avoiding travel, for at least 24 hours after fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine). This is to keep from making others sick. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
• If persons with the flu need to leave the home (for example, for medical care), they should wear a facemask, if available and tolerable, and cover their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
• Have the sick person wear a facemask – if available and tolerable – if they need to be in a common area of the house near other persons.
• If possible, sick persons should use a separate bathroom. This bathroom should be cleaned daily with household disinfectant (see below).
Protect other persons in the home
• The sick person should not have visitors other than caregivers. A phone call is safer than a visit.
• If possible, have only one adult in the home take care of the sick person. People at increased risk of severe illness from flu should not be the designated caretaker, if possible.
• If you are in a high risk group for complications from influenza, you should attempt to avoid close contact (within 6 feet) with household members who are sick with influenza. If close contact with a sick individual is unavoidable, consider wearing a facemask or respirator, if available and tolerable. For more information, see the Interim Recommendations for Facemask and Respirator Use.
• Avoid having pregnant women care for the sick person. (Pregnant women are at increased risk of influenza-related complications and immunity can be suppressed during pregnancy).
• Avoid having sick family members care for infants and other groups at high risk for complications of influenza.
• All persons in the household should clean their hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub* frequently, including after every contact with the sick person or the person’s room or bathroom.
• Use paper towels for drying hands after hand washing or dedicate cloth towels to each person in the household. For example, have different colored towels for each person.
• If possible, consideration should be given to maintaining good ventilation in shared household areas (e.g., keeping windows open in restrooms, kitchen, bathroom, etc.).
• Antiviral medications can be used to prevent the flu, so check with your health care provider to see if some persons in the home should use antiviral medications.
If you are the caregiver
• Avoid being face-to-face with the sick person.
• When holding small children who are sick, place their chin on your shoulder so that they will not cough in your face.
• Clean your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub* after you touch the sick person or handle used tissues, or laundry.
• Talk to your health care provider about taking antiviral medication to prevent the caregiver from getting the flu.
• If you are at high risk of influenza associated complications, you should not be the designated caretaker, if possible.
• If you are in a high risk group for complications from influenza, you should attempt to avoid close contact (within 6 feet) with household members who are sick with influenza. Designate a person who is not at high risk of flu associated complications as the primary caretaker of household members who are sick with influenza, if at all possible. If close contact with a sick individual is unavoidable, consider wearing a facemask or respirator, if available and tolerable. For more information, see the Interim Recommendations for Facemask and Respirator Use
• Monitor yourself and household members for flu symptoms and contact a telephone hotline or health care provider if symptoms occur.
Using Facemasks or Respirators
• Avoid close contact (less than about 6 feet away) with the sick person as much as possible.
• If you must have close contact with the sick person (for example, hold a sick infant), spend the least amount of time possible in close contact and try to wear a facemask (for example, surgical mask) or N95 disposable respirator.
• An N95 respirator that fits snugly on your face can filter out small particles that can be inhaled around the edges of a facemask, but compared with a facemask it is harder to breathe through an N95 mask for long periods of time. More information on facemasks and respirators can be found at H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) website.
• Facemasks and respirators may be purchased at a pharmacy, building supply or hardware store.
• Wear an N95 respirator if you help a sick person with respiratory treatments using a nebulizer or inhaler, as directed by their doctor. Respiratory treatments should be performed in a separate room away from common areas of the house when at all possible.
• Used facemasks and N95 respirators should be taken off and placed immediately in the regular trash so they don’t touch anything else.
• Avoid re-using disposable facemasks and N95 respirators, if possible. If a reusable fabric facemask is used, it should be laundered with normal laundry detergent and tumble-dried in a hot dryer.
• After you take off a facemask or N95 respirator, clean your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• For more information, see the Interim Recommendations for Facemask and Respirator Use
Household Cleaning, Laundry, and Waste Disposal
• Throw away tissues and other disposable items used by the sick person in the trash. Wash your hands after touching used tissues and similar waste.
• Keep surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, and toys for children) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label.
• Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but importantly these items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first.
• Wash linens (such as bed sheets and towels) by using household laundry soap and tumble dry on a hot setting. Avoid “hugging” laundry prior to washing it to prevent contaminating yourself. Clean your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub right after handling dirty laundry.
• Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap.
Medications
Medications to Help Lessen Symptoms of the Flu
Check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist for correct, safe use of medications
Antiviral medications can sometimes help lessen influenza symptoms, but require a prescription. Most people do not need these antiviral drugs to fully recover from the flu. However, persons at higher risk for severe flu complications, or those with severe flu illness who require hospitalization, might benefit from antiviral medications. Antiviral medications are available for persons 1 year of age and older. Ask your health care provider whether you need antiviral medication.
Influenza infections can lead to or occur with bacterial infections. Therefore, some people will also need to take antibiotics. More severe or prolonged illness or illness that seems to get better, but then gets worse again may be an indication that a person has a bacterial infection. Check with your health care provider if you have concerns.
Warning! Do not give aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) to children or teenagers who have the flu; this can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye’s syndrome. For more information about Reye’s syndrome, visit the National Institute of Health website .
• Check ingredient labels on over-the-counter cold and flu medications to see if they contain aspirin.
• Children 5 years of age and older and teenagers with the flu can take medicines without aspirin, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, Nuprin®), to relieve symptoms.
• Children younger than 4 years of age should NOT be given over-the-counter cold medications without first speaking with a health care provider.
• The safest care for flu symptoms in children younger than 2 years of age is using a cool-mist humidifier and a suction bulb to help clear away mucus.
• Fevers and aches can be treated with acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, Nuprin®) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Examples of these kinds of medications include:
Generic Name Brand Name(s)
Acetaminophen Tylenol®
Ibuprofen Advil®, Motrin®, Nuprin®
Naproxen Aleve
• Over-the-counter cold and flu medications used according to the package instructions may help lessen some symptoms such as cough and congestion. Importantly, these medications will not lessen how infectious a person is.
• Check the ingredients on the package label to see if the medication already contains acetaminophen or ibuprofen before taking additional doses of these medications—don’t double dose! Patients with kidney disease or stomach problems should check with their health care provider before taking any NSAIDS.
Check with your health care provider or pharmacist if you are taking other over-the-counter or prescription medications not related to the flu. For more information on products for treating flu symptoms, see the FDA website.
When to Seek Emergency Medical Care
Get medical care right away if the sick person at home:
• has difficulty breathing or chest pain
• has purple or blue discoloration of the lips
• is vomiting and unable to keep liquids down
• has signs of dehydration such as dizziness when standing, absence of urination, or in infants, a lack of tears when they cry
• has seizures (for example, uncontrolled convulsions)
is less responsive than normal or becomes confused
Check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist for correct, safe use of medications
Antiviral medications can sometimes help lessen influenza symptoms, but require a prescription. Most people do not need these antiviral drugs to fully recover from the flu. However, persons at higher risk for severe flu complications, or those with severe flu illness who require hospitalization, might benefit from antiviral medications. Antiviral medications are available for persons 1 year of age and older. Ask your health care provider whether you need antiviral medication.
Influenza infections can lead to or occur with bacterial infections. Therefore, some people will also need to take antibiotics. More severe or prolonged illness or illness that seems to get better, but then gets worse again may be an indication that a person has a bacterial infection. Check with your health care provider if you have concerns.
Warning! Do not give aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) to children or teenagers who have the flu; this can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye’s syndrome. For more information about Reye’s syndrome, visit the National Institute of Health website .
• Check ingredient labels on over-the-counter cold and flu medications to see if they contain aspirin.
• Children 5 years of age and older and teenagers with the flu can take medicines without aspirin, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, Nuprin®), to relieve symptoms.
• Children younger than 4 years of age should NOT be given over-the-counter cold medications without first speaking with a health care provider.
• The safest care for flu symptoms in children younger than 2 years of age is using a cool-mist humidifier and a suction bulb to help clear away mucus.
• Fevers and aches can be treated with acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, Nuprin®) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Examples of these kinds of medications include:
Generic Name Brand Name(s)
Acetaminophen Tylenol®
Ibuprofen Advil®, Motrin®, Nuprin®
Naproxen Aleve
• Over-the-counter cold and flu medications used according to the package instructions may help lessen some symptoms such as cough and congestion. Importantly, these medications will not lessen how infectious a person is.
• Check the ingredients on the package label to see if the medication already contains acetaminophen or ibuprofen before taking additional doses of these medications—don’t double dose! Patients with kidney disease or stomach problems should check with their health care provider before taking any NSAIDS.
Check with your health care provider or pharmacist if you are taking other over-the-counter or prescription medications not related to the flu. For more information on products for treating flu symptoms, see the FDA website.
When to Seek Emergency Medical Care
Get medical care right away if the sick person at home:
• has difficulty breathing or chest pain
• has purple or blue discoloration of the lips
• is vomiting and unable to keep liquids down
• has signs of dehydration such as dizziness when standing, absence of urination, or in infants, a lack of tears when they cry
• has seizures (for example, uncontrolled convulsions)
is less responsive than normal or becomes confused
Novel H1N1 flu virus infection
Novel H1N1 flu virus infection (formerly known as swine flu) can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with novel H1N1 flu. Like seasonal flu, novel H1N1 flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Severe disease with pneumonia, respiratory failure and even death is possible with novel H1N1 flu infection. Certain groups might be more likely to develop a severe illness from novel H1N1 flu infection, such as pregnant women and persons with chronic medical conditions. Sometimes bacterial infections may occur at the same time as or after infection with influenza viruses and lead to pneumonias, ear infections, or sinus infections.
The following information can help you provide safer care at home for sick persons during a flu outbreak or flu pandemic.
How Flu Spreads
The main way that influenza viruses are thought to spread is from person to person in respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes. This can happen when droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person are propelled through the air and deposited on the mouth or nose of people nearby. Influenza viruses may also be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets on another person or an object and then touches their own mouth or nose (or someone else’s mouth or nose) before washing their hands.
People with novel H1N1 flu who are cared for at home should:
• check with their health care provider about any special care they might need if they are pregnant or have a health condition such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, or emphysema
• check with their health care provider about whether they should take antiviral medications
• keep away from others as much as possible. This is to keep from making others sick. Do not go to work or school while ill
• stay home for at least 24 hours after fever is gone, except to seek medical care or for other necessities. (Fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
• get plenty of rest
• drink clear fluids (such as water, broth, sports drinks, electrolyte beverages for infants) to keep from being dehydrated
• cover coughs and sneezes. Clean hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub often and especially after using tissues and after coughing or sneezing into hands
• wear a facemask – if available and tolerable – when sharing common spaces with other household members to help prevent spreading the virus to others. This is especially important if other household members are at high risk for complications from influenza. For more information, see the Interim Recommendations for Facemask and Respirator Use
• be watchful for emergency warning signs (see below) that might indicate you need to seek medical attention.
The following information can help you provide safer care at home for sick persons during a flu outbreak or flu pandemic.
How Flu Spreads
The main way that influenza viruses are thought to spread is from person to person in respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes. This can happen when droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person are propelled through the air and deposited on the mouth or nose of people nearby. Influenza viruses may also be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets on another person or an object and then touches their own mouth or nose (or someone else’s mouth or nose) before washing their hands.
People with novel H1N1 flu who are cared for at home should:
• check with their health care provider about any special care they might need if they are pregnant or have a health condition such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, or emphysema
• check with their health care provider about whether they should take antiviral medications
• keep away from others as much as possible. This is to keep from making others sick. Do not go to work or school while ill
• stay home for at least 24 hours after fever is gone, except to seek medical care or for other necessities. (Fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
• get plenty of rest
• drink clear fluids (such as water, broth, sports drinks, electrolyte beverages for infants) to keep from being dehydrated
• cover coughs and sneezes. Clean hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub often and especially after using tissues and after coughing or sneezing into hands
• wear a facemask – if available and tolerable – when sharing common spaces with other household members to help prevent spreading the virus to others. This is especially important if other household members are at high risk for complications from influenza. For more information, see the Interim Recommendations for Facemask and Respirator Use
• be watchful for emergency warning signs (see below) that might indicate you need to seek medical attention.
Swine Flu Case Definitions
Swine Flu Case Definitions
According to the CDC, swine flu cases should be defined as:
• a confirmed case when the person has an acute febrile respiratory illness with laboratory confirmed swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection, which can only be done at the CDC and some state health departments.
• a probable case when the person has an acute febrile respiratory illness and a positive test for influenza A, which could be seasonal flu or swine flu. Further testing would next need to be done by the CDC to confirm that it was indeed a swine flu infection.
• a suspected case when the person has an acute febrile respiratory illness whose symptoms begin within seven days of close contact with a confirmed case of swine flu, within seven days of travel to a community where there are confirmed cases of swine flu, or if they live in a community where are confirmed cases of swine flu.
Keep in mind that not all suspected cases or probable cases will become confirmed cases, as some children with influenza A will be found to just have seasonal flu upon further testing.
Swine Flu Glossary
Defining some flu terms that you may hear in reports about swine influenza A (H1N1) should also help you understand what is going on:
• Pandemic - a global outbreak of an infection. A pandemic simply means that an infection, like pandemic flu, is spreading to a great number of people in widespread geographic areas, but it does not offer any information about how serious the infection is.
• Seasonal Flu - refers to flu strains that we see during a routine flu season.
• H1N1 - H1N1 refers to the types of hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N) proteins on the surface of the flu virus strain. Although there are many different HN subtypes, the ones that usually infect people during a typical flu season are the H1N1 and H3N2 strains.
• Rapid Flu Test - a test on a nasal swab that can be done in a pediatrician's office or hospital on children with swine flu symptoms, gives results in about 10 minutes, and can report if a child has type A flu or type B flu. There is no commercially available swine flu (H1N1) test, so positive type A flu tests are being sent to local or state health departments for further testing to see if it is seasonal flu or swine flu.
• Avian Flu - the bird flu which infects birds, including chickens and wild birds, and which began to infect humans with the H5N1 strain in Asia since 2003. Although experts worried that H5N1 bird flu might cause a pandemic, this strain of bird flu has not spread easily from person-to-person. The World Health Organization reported a world-wide total of 421 cases in April, 2009, with 257 deaths, since cases were first reported in 2003.
• Social Distancing - the practice of staying away from other people when you are sick, so that you don't spread your infection to other people.
• Antiviral Flu Medicines - these are medicines like Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir), which can prevent and treat seasonal flu and swine flu (H1N1) infections.
• Swine Flu Vaccine - although a swine flu vaccine is not yet available, once it is, it would hopefully prevent swine flu infections in those who got it.
According to the CDC, swine flu cases should be defined as:
• a confirmed case when the person has an acute febrile respiratory illness with laboratory confirmed swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection, which can only be done at the CDC and some state health departments.
• a probable case when the person has an acute febrile respiratory illness and a positive test for influenza A, which could be seasonal flu or swine flu. Further testing would next need to be done by the CDC to confirm that it was indeed a swine flu infection.
• a suspected case when the person has an acute febrile respiratory illness whose symptoms begin within seven days of close contact with a confirmed case of swine flu, within seven days of travel to a community where there are confirmed cases of swine flu, or if they live in a community where are confirmed cases of swine flu.
Keep in mind that not all suspected cases or probable cases will become confirmed cases, as some children with influenza A will be found to just have seasonal flu upon further testing.
Swine Flu Glossary
Defining some flu terms that you may hear in reports about swine influenza A (H1N1) should also help you understand what is going on:
• Pandemic - a global outbreak of an infection. A pandemic simply means that an infection, like pandemic flu, is spreading to a great number of people in widespread geographic areas, but it does not offer any information about how serious the infection is.
• Seasonal Flu - refers to flu strains that we see during a routine flu season.
• H1N1 - H1N1 refers to the types of hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N) proteins on the surface of the flu virus strain. Although there are many different HN subtypes, the ones that usually infect people during a typical flu season are the H1N1 and H3N2 strains.
• Rapid Flu Test - a test on a nasal swab that can be done in a pediatrician's office or hospital on children with swine flu symptoms, gives results in about 10 minutes, and can report if a child has type A flu or type B flu. There is no commercially available swine flu (H1N1) test, so positive type A flu tests are being sent to local or state health departments for further testing to see if it is seasonal flu or swine flu.
• Avian Flu - the bird flu which infects birds, including chickens and wild birds, and which began to infect humans with the H5N1 strain in Asia since 2003. Although experts worried that H5N1 bird flu might cause a pandemic, this strain of bird flu has not spread easily from person-to-person. The World Health Organization reported a world-wide total of 421 cases in April, 2009, with 257 deaths, since cases were first reported in 2003.
• Social Distancing - the practice of staying away from other people when you are sick, so that you don't spread your infection to other people.
• Antiviral Flu Medicines - these are medicines like Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir), which can prevent and treat seasonal flu and swine flu (H1N1) infections.
• Swine Flu Vaccine - although a swine flu vaccine is not yet available, once it is, it would hopefully prevent swine flu infections in those who got it.
Swine flu symptoms
Swine flu symptoms are similar to symptoms of other flu viruses. These include fever, cough, headaches, chills, body aches, a sore throat and fatigue. Vomiting and diarrhea have also been reported with this virus. It is important to remember that other conditions can cause these same symptoms. To determine for sure if you have swine flu versus another strain of flu or other condition, you will need to go to your doctor for a lab test. It is important to remember that flu is not a rare illness. According to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control, 5 to 20 percent of the U.S. population suffers from a case of the flu each year.
Flu is similar to a cold virus in that it is typically spread from one person to another when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can pass through an infected person's lungs, throat or nose, sending particles into the air that can pass to anyone that person comes in close contact with. Being out in a crowd increases your chances of being infected.
The other main way the virus spreads is from touching surfaces that are contaminated with the virus and then touching your eyes, mouth or nose. An individual infected with the virus can start transmitting it up to a day before the symptoms start, and up to a week after the symptoms become noticeable, according to the Centers for Disease Control. It is believed the new swine flu spreads in the same way as other types of flu.
Nick Hampshire is the founder of SwineFluDangers.com where you can learn more about Swine Flu Symptoms. Nick is dedicated to equipping people with the knowledge they need to fight swine flu and protect themselves and their families.
Although the name 'swine flu' brings up a lot of extra fear and worry, it is important to note that swine flu is just an influenza A H1N1 virus.
That means that it is just another type of flu virus, just like that causes our typical seasonal flu symptoms. The big difference is that the current swine influenza A (H1N1) virus has components of pig and bird influenza viruses in it, so that humans don't have any immunity to it. That is what made it more likely that it would become a pandemic virus (have the ability to cause a global outbreak) because it could easily spread from person-to-person.
So far, even as you see swine flu cases increase on this swine flu map, experts don't know if this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus will return in the fall for another wave. It could or we just continue to see sporadic cases for a few weeks or months until it stops.
We do know that swine flu symptoms are just like seasonal flu symptoms.
Swine Flu Symptoms
According to the CDC, like seasonal flu, symptoms of swine flu infections can include:
• fever, which is usually high, but unlike seasonal flu, is sometimes absent
• cough
• runny nose or stuffy nose
• sore throat
• body aches
• headache
• chills
• fatigue or tiredness, which can be extreme
• diarrhea and vomiting, sometimes, but more commonly seen than with seasonal flu
Signs of a more serious swine flu infection might include pneumonia and respiratory failure.
If your child has symptoms of swine flu, you should avoid other people and call your pediatrician who might do a rapid flu test to see if he has an influenza A infection. Further testing can then be done to see if it is a swine flu infection. (Samples can be sent to local and state health departments and the CDC for confirmation of swine flu, especially if a child is in the hospital.)
Swine Flu High Risk Groups
With regular seasonal flu, infants and the elderly are usually thought to be most at risk for serious infections, in addition to people with chronic medical problems. Swine flu high risk groups, people who are thought to be at risk for serious, life-threatening infections, are a little different and can include:
• pregnant women
• people with chronic medical problems, such as chronic lung disease, like asthma, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and immunosuppression
• children and adults with obesity
Serious Swine Flu Symptoms
More serious symptoms that would indicate that a child with swine flu would need urgent medical attention include:
• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish or gray skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• 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
Swine Flu Symptoms vs. a Cold or Sinus Infection
It is important to keep in mind most children with a runny nose or cough will not have swine flu and will not have to see their pediatrician for swine flu testing.
This time of year, many other childhood conditions are common, including:
• spring allergies - runny nose, congestion, and cough
• common cold - runny nose, cough, and low grade fever
• sinus infections - lingering runny nose, cough, and fever
• strep throat - sore throat, fever, and a positive strep test
What You Need To Know
• Swine flu likely spreads by direct contact with respiratory secretions of someone that is sick with swine flu, like if they were coughing and sneezing close to you.
• People with swine flu are likely contagious for one day before and up to seven days after they began to get sick with swine flu symptoms.
• Droplets from a cough or sneeze can also contaminate surfaces, such as a doorknob, drinking glass, or kitchen counter, although these germs likely don't survive for more than a few hours.
• Anti-flu medications, including Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir), are available to prevent and treat swine flu.
• The latest swine flu news from the CDC includes advice that children should not attend summer camps if they have had swine flu symptoms in the previous seven days and that camp staff should be quick to identify campers with swine flu symptoms and separate them from well
Flu is similar to a cold virus in that it is typically spread from one person to another when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can pass through an infected person's lungs, throat or nose, sending particles into the air that can pass to anyone that person comes in close contact with. Being out in a crowd increases your chances of being infected.
The other main way the virus spreads is from touching surfaces that are contaminated with the virus and then touching your eyes, mouth or nose. An individual infected with the virus can start transmitting it up to a day before the symptoms start, and up to a week after the symptoms become noticeable, according to the Centers for Disease Control. It is believed the new swine flu spreads in the same way as other types of flu.
Nick Hampshire is the founder of SwineFluDangers.com where you can learn more about Swine Flu Symptoms. Nick is dedicated to equipping people with the knowledge they need to fight swine flu and protect themselves and their families.
Although the name 'swine flu' brings up a lot of extra fear and worry, it is important to note that swine flu is just an influenza A H1N1 virus.
That means that it is just another type of flu virus, just like that causes our typical seasonal flu symptoms. The big difference is that the current swine influenza A (H1N1) virus has components of pig and bird influenza viruses in it, so that humans don't have any immunity to it. That is what made it more likely that it would become a pandemic virus (have the ability to cause a global outbreak) because it could easily spread from person-to-person.
So far, even as you see swine flu cases increase on this swine flu map, experts don't know if this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus will return in the fall for another wave. It could or we just continue to see sporadic cases for a few weeks or months until it stops.
We do know that swine flu symptoms are just like seasonal flu symptoms.
Swine Flu Symptoms
According to the CDC, like seasonal flu, symptoms of swine flu infections can include:
• fever, which is usually high, but unlike seasonal flu, is sometimes absent
• cough
• runny nose or stuffy nose
• sore throat
• body aches
• headache
• chills
• fatigue or tiredness, which can be extreme
• diarrhea and vomiting, sometimes, but more commonly seen than with seasonal flu
Signs of a more serious swine flu infection might include pneumonia and respiratory failure.
If your child has symptoms of swine flu, you should avoid other people and call your pediatrician who might do a rapid flu test to see if he has an influenza A infection. Further testing can then be done to see if it is a swine flu infection. (Samples can be sent to local and state health departments and the CDC for confirmation of swine flu, especially if a child is in the hospital.)
Swine Flu High Risk Groups
With regular seasonal flu, infants and the elderly are usually thought to be most at risk for serious infections, in addition to people with chronic medical problems. Swine flu high risk groups, people who are thought to be at risk for serious, life-threatening infections, are a little different and can include:
• pregnant women
• people with chronic medical problems, such as chronic lung disease, like asthma, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and immunosuppression
• children and adults with obesity
Serious Swine Flu Symptoms
More serious symptoms that would indicate that a child with swine flu would need urgent medical attention include:
• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish or gray skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• 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
Swine Flu Symptoms vs. a Cold or Sinus Infection
It is important to keep in mind most children with a runny nose or cough will not have swine flu and will not have to see their pediatrician for swine flu testing.
This time of year, many other childhood conditions are common, including:
• spring allergies - runny nose, congestion, and cough
• common cold - runny nose, cough, and low grade fever
• sinus infections - lingering runny nose, cough, and fever
• strep throat - sore throat, fever, and a positive strep test
What You Need To Know
• Swine flu likely spreads by direct contact with respiratory secretions of someone that is sick with swine flu, like if they were coughing and sneezing close to you.
• People with swine flu are likely contagious for one day before and up to seven days after they began to get sick with swine flu symptoms.
• Droplets from a cough or sneeze can also contaminate surfaces, such as a doorknob, drinking glass, or kitchen counter, although these germs likely don't survive for more than a few hours.
• Anti-flu medications, including Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir), are available to prevent and treat swine flu.
• The latest swine flu news from the CDC includes advice that children should not attend summer camps if they have had swine flu symptoms in the previous seven days and that camp staff should be quick to identify campers with swine flu symptoms and separate them from well
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