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Just the Facts: 2009 Influenza Season

There have been many headlines and public discussion about the upcoming flu season, particularly concern about the H1N1 influenza A, initially known as the swine flu. The situation is of high concern to public health officials because H1N1 influenza A is a novel virus – one that has not been seen in humans before – so it is unlikely that anyone has a natural immunity to it. H1N1 influenza has been confirmed in Kansas.

What does it mean to you?

First, be assured that Stormont-Vail HealthCare and Cotton-O’Neil Clinic are prepared to care you and your family’s health care needs as they arise.

If you have questions about influenza prevention, symptoms or treatment, talk to your primary care physician, or call the nurses at Health Connections during evenings, weekends and holidays, at (785) 354-5225. They have the latest health information available and can help direct you to the appropriate care you may need.

There are no clinics currently scheduled for H1N1 vaccine, as the vaccine is not yet available. More information will be coming through governmental health agencies about the availability of the H1N1 vaccine.

Understanding H1N1 influenza A

Flu is an informal term used to describe influenza, an acute, feverish upper respiratory viral infection.

H1N1 influenza A, also called swine flu, is a type of influenza virus that is contagious and causes respiratory disease. Most people with the virus have mild cases, but more severe illness results in lower respiratory tract illness, dehydration, pneumonia, respiratory failure and even death.

After exposure, symptoms appear within one to four days. Acute symptoms usually improve in three to seven days, but malaise and cough may continue two to three weeks.

A H1N1 vaccine is expected later this year. The initial target groups for H1N1 vaccine include:

  • Pregnant women.
  • People who live with or provide care for infants under the age of 6 months. This would include parents, siblings, and daycare providers.
  • Health care and emergency medical services personnel.
  • People ages 6 months to 24 years, and
  • People ages 25 to 64 who have medical conditions that put them a higher risk for influenza-related complications.

The signs and symptoms of H1N1 influenza A are similar to seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, headache, chills and fatigue, and occasionally vomiting and diarrhea.

Wash your hands

The H1N1 influenza virus is spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing, and by touching something infected with the virus, and then touching the nose, mouth, or eyes. The virus can survive on surfaces and can infect a person for 2 to 8 hours after being deposited on the surface.

For everyday precautions:

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or cough you’re your elbow. Dispose of the tissue after you use it.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

Swine flu viruses are not spread from eating pork or pork products.

Stay home

If you or a family member does become ill, it is recommended you stay home and avoid contact with others. Avoid travel and going to work or school for at least 24 hours after your fever is done except to get medical care or for other necessities. Your fever should be gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine.

If you have questions about symptoms you are experiencing or need care advice, contact your primary care physicians or call the nurses at Health Connections during non-office hours at (785) 354-5225. They can assist with referrals to physicians, urgent care clinics or emergency care, if needed.

Other actions you can take

  • Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
  • Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so. Have a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand rubs, tissues and other items that may be useful.

For more information

Call Health Connections’ nurses at (785) 354-5225.
From 4:30 p.m. to 8 a.m. weekdays, around-the-clock weekends and holidays

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention