Frequently Asked Questions - H1N1 and Seasonal Flu

Like a cold, the flu is highly contagious but, unlike a cold, it is also a serious illness that can have life-threatening complications. To see the differences, compare the list of symptoms for each illness.

The best way to prevent contracting the Flu is to get a Flu shot
(Influenza vaccine). The influenza virus that causes the Flu is easily
spread from person to person. Most people who get the Flu will be
sick for a few weeks but others may need to be hospitalized as a result.
In the worst cases, the Flu can even lead to death.

In short:

• Get your seasonal Flu and H1N1 Flu shots
• Wash your hands with soap and water or a hand sanitizer often
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Avoid close contact with sick people

Seasonal Flu:

It is recommended that anybody over 6 month get a seasonal flu shot, but you should serioisly consider getting a Flu shot if you fall into any of the follwing categories.

• Children aged 6 months to 19 years
• Pregnant Women
• Persons with Chronic Health Conditions
• Persons in nursing homes or long term care facilites
• Household contacts of children less than 6 months old
• Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications of the Flu
• Healthcare Workers

H1N1 Flu:

It is recommended that anybody who falls into one of the following categories get an H1N1 Flu Shot

• Prenant Women
• Household contacts and caregivers to children younger than 6 months
• All people from 6 months to 24 years old
• Persons aged 25 through 64 years old who have had health conditions associated with higher risk of complications from the Flu

No. The influenza virus in a flu shot has been killed so it cannot
cause the flu. Occasionally, some people who have recieved a flu shot
can still contract the flu, but it is usually milder than if they had
not received the flu shot at all.

• Call your doctor
• Stay at home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone
• Drink plenty of water
• Limit contact with others
• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze
• Wash your hands often during the day, especially after coughing and sneezing.
• If you are prescribed anti-viral medications start them immediately and make sure to finish the full coarse

Plain soap and water is just as effective as antibacterial soaps and it is usually less expensive. Liquid soap is preferred over bar soap since it cannot spread germs from one user to the next. When a bathroom is not available hand sanitizers are a convenient way to wash your hands.

You can use any disposable facemask cleared by the U.S. FOod and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as medical devices including facemasks labeled as surgical, dental, medical procedure, isolation, or laser masks. Facemasks should be used once and then thrown away.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has an H1N1 general information page with up-to-date information.