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H1N1 INFLUENZA
Drs. Stephen Baum and Belinda Ostrowsky discuss the best way to prevent infection from H1N1 or seasonal flu, and answer questions about treatment. 
INformation on H1N1 INFLUENZA (Swine Flu)
PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A RAPIDLY CHANGING SITUATION. REFER TO LINKS BELOW FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION.
We have prepared this section to keep you updated and provide answers to commonly asked questions.
As of 11 a.m. June 5, 2009, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports a total of 13,217 cases confirmed and probable cases of H1N1 and 27 deaths in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. New York City has a total of 553 cases and 7 deaths. The World Health Organization reports that 69 countries have officially reported 21,940 infections, including 125 deaths.
According to a preliminary analysis of 152 hospitalized patients released by the NYCDOHMH on June 3, at least 82% have belonged to one or more groups at higher risk of severe illness or complications from influenza. Those at higher risk of flu complications include:
- People who are over 65, under age 2, or pregnant
- People with chronic lung problems, such as asthma or emphysema
- People with chronic heart, kidney, liver or blood disorders
- People with neurological disorders that can cause breathing problems
- People with diabetes
- People whose immune systems are weakened due to illness or medication
- People under 18 years who are on long-term aspirin therapy
People at risk of flu complications should call a doctor to discuss medication if they develop fever of 100.4 degrees with cough or sore throat.
For more details, please see the NYCDOHMH’s June 3 press release.
Resources
The World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, New York State Department of Health, and New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene are all closely monitoring developments. Here are links to frequently updated information. A question and answer section is below.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Includes updates of the location and number of U.S. human cases, frequently asked questions, guidance for professionals, press briefings, and travel notices.
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene -- Includes fact sheets, health education materials, and press releases. Many materials are available in several languages.
New York State Department of Health – Includes fact sheet for parents, fact sheet for students, frequently asked questions, and materials in Spanish.
World Health Organization – Includes updates, timeline, and information used to determine the severity of an influenza pandemic.
Questions and Answers
| 1. | What is H1N1? | ||
| > | A respiratory disease of pigs | ||
| > | Caused by Influenza Type A virus subtype H1N1 | ||
| 2. | How does H1N1 spread? | ||
| > | Pig to pig | ||
| - | Close contact with contaminated pig | ||
| - | Contact with contaminated objects | ||
| > | Pig to human | ||
| - | People in close proximity to infected pigs | ||
| > | Human to human | ||
| - | Coughing or sneezing of infected people | ||
| - | Touching something with flu virus then touching nose or mouth | ||
| 3. | Can humans catch the virus from eating pork? | ||
| No | |||
| 4. | How can I protect myself from catching it? | ||
| > | Wash hands frequently. | ||
| > | Avoid touching the nose or mouth. | ||
| 5. | What are symptoms? | ||
| > | Fever | ||
| > | Lethargy | ||
| > | Lack of appetite | ||
| > | Coughing | ||
| > | Runny nose | ||
| > | Sore throat | ||
| > | Nausea and Vomiting | ||
| > | Diarrhea | ||
| 6. | How can H1N1 be diagnosed? | ||
| Onset of acute respiratory illness and laboratory confirmed Swine Influenza Virus Infection is considered a confirmed case. | |||
| 7. | Can the H1N1 be treated? | ||
| > | Likely no protection from human flu vaccine. | ||
| > | Antiviral medication should be started within 48 hours of symptom onset | ||
| - | Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) | ||
| - | Zanamivir (Relenza) | ||
| 8. | What are the incubation and infectious periods? | ||
| > | Incubation from 1-7 days | ||
| > | Infectious | ||
| - | Adults for 7 days following onset of symptoms | ||
| - | Children may be more than 7 days | ||
| 9. | What should someone do who thinks they may be infected? | ||
| > | Cover the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing. | ||
| > | Seek medical attention. | ||
Because this is a fluid situation, we encourage you to keep tabs on developments as they may change rapidly. The links provided above will contain the most up-to-date information. You can also find additional information on the Einstein library page:
http://library.aecom.yu.edu/resources/swineflu.htm
