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H1N1 Novel Flu (aka Swine Flu)
The World Health Organization has declared the H1N1 virus a pandemic raising its warning level from phase 5 to phase 6. The H1N1 virus has reached 74 countries with reports of 27,737 cases worldwide. Most cases are mild and require no treatment. According to the World Health Organization, a pandemic means there is evidence of widespread transmission. Declaring a pandemic does not mean that infection from H1N1 is more severe, it just means that it is more widespread.
For more information on the H1N1 virus visit the Centers for Disease Control website. This information, which is regularly updated, includes background on the H1N1 virus and what you can do help protect you and your family. To protect yourself, we suggest that you follow the CDC guidelines, which include:
- Wash your hands often. Do your best to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when coughing (don't cough into bare hands or on another person).
- Avoid close contact with sick people. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through the coughing or sneezing of infected people.
If you have flu-like symptoms, such as unexplained body aches, a fever, sore throat, or cough, please call the appointment line for your clinic and they will arrange for you to speak to a nurse who will help you determine what to do.
 H1N1 Novel Flu (aka Swine Flu) Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I hear that health authorities are saying that H1N1 novel flu isn't as big a concern as they first thought. What is going on?
A: According to the Minnesota Department of Health, the H1N1 virus now appears to be behaving very much like regular seasonal flu, in terms of the severity of illness people are experiencing. As a result MDH has changed its guidelines for closing schools similar to what it recommends for seasonal flu. However, you should still take precautions to prevent H1N1.
Q. I've read that the World Health Organization may still decide to raise its pandemic threat level from 5 to 6. Does that change how I should view this flu outbreak?
A. If the WHO pandemic threat level changes from 5 to 6 it means that the H1N1 virus has spread around the globe to the point that it has become a pandemic. It is important to remember that pandemic is a term that refers to the spread of a disease and not the severity. Since the virus has already spread to most parts of the U.S. and the severity of illness has been similar to that of seasonal flu, it doesn't change anything for us.
Q: What can I do to prevent getting the H1N1 novel flu?
A: We suggest that you follow the CDC guidelines, which include:
- Wash your hands often. Do your best to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when coughing (don't cough into bare hands or on another person).
- Avoid close contact with sick people. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through the coughing or sneezing of infected people.
- Visit the http://www.codeready.org/ Web site for more information on being prepared.
Q: What are the symptoms of H1N1 novel flu?
A: H1N1 novel flu symptoms are the same as symptoms from the seasonal flu. It usually starts with a fever, sometimes as high as 104, sore throat, dry cough and muscle aches. Most of these symptoms improve over three to five days, but may last as long as eight days. Vomiting and diarrhea are unusual, but can occur. True influenza is a respiratory disease. What some refer to as the flu, or stomach flu with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, is not influenza.
Q: Is there a test for the H1N1 novel flu?
A: Yes---a respiratory specimen would generally need to be collected within the first four to five days of illness; however the Minnesota Department of Health no longer recommends routine testing for the virus except in certain situations such as when a patient with the virus is hospitalized.
Q: What should I do if I suspect I have the H1N1 novel flu?
A: As of May 5 the Minnesota Department of Health is advising that the H1N1 flu virus is acting similar to regular seasonal flu. For this reason, they no longer recommend routine testing for the virus except in certain situations such as when a patient with the virus is hospitalized. If you suspect you have the flu you should follow the CDC recommendations including:
- Stay home from work or school if you are not feeling well
- Drink plenty of fluids, rest and take Tylenol to help control fever or body aches.
If your condition is not improving, or if you have any questions or concerns, contact your clinic.
Q: Is the medication to prevent H1N1 novel flu available to me or my family?
A: There currently are no vaccines or prescription medications to prevent the H1N1 flu. Antiviral medications such as Tamiflu and Relenza can be used to lessen the severity of the flu. Because the recommendations for preventive treatment will change as this event unfolds, it will be best to talk to your doctor about this. The best way to prevent the H1N1 novel flu is to wash your hands often, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when coughing (don't cough into bare hands or on another person) and avoid close contact with sick people.
Q: Have there been any confirmed cases in MN?
A: Yes. The Minnesota Department of Health has up-to-date information on the number of confirmed and probable cases available at www.health.state.mn.us. Our clinics and hospitals continue to monitor the situation closely and are paying particular attention to patients with flu-like symptoms.
Q: If I haven't been to Mexico do I need to worry?
A: According to the CDC the H1N1 virus has spread across most of the United States and is now in many other countries, so the link to Mexico is becoming less relevant.
Q: Can I eat pork?
A: Yes. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products are safe. The H1N1 virus is not transmitted by food. As always, it is important to cook pork to an internal temperature of 160F for basic food safety.
Q: My kids are in daycare and school. How can I keep them from getting sick?
A: The Minnesota Department of Health is in close contact with teachers and daycare providers. They are providing tips on how to prevent the spread of the flu and what signs to watch for if they are concerned about possible flu cases in their classrooms and daycare facilities. If your child is old enough to understand, emphasize the basic infection prevention measures with them as well---hand-washing and covering their coughs.
Q: Should I cancel my appointment at the clinic? I don't want to be exposed to more germs.
A: You should not cancel your appointment for fear of picking up the H1N1 novel flu at the clinic. Patients who come to our clinics who are suspected of having the H1N1 novel flu will be immediately given a face mask and then isolated to a private room.
Q: What are the best sources of reliable information for what is happening in Minnesota? The rest of the country?
A: You can get credible information from both the state and federal governments. At the Minnesota Department of Health Web site, www.health.state.mn.us, click on "HOT TOPICS: H1N1 novel influenza" in the upper left hand corner. The Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov also has accurate, updated information. It includes background on the H1N1 novel flu and what you can do to help protect you and your family.
Q: What is HealthPartners doing as an organization to prepare?
A: We continue to work with state and federal officials and will closely monitor the situation.
Q. I've read that the H1N1 flu may come back in the fall and be more severe. Is that true?
A. We don't know. Right now the Centers for Disease Control is tracking the virus and its behavior as the southern hemisphere moves into its fall and winter seasons. Check here for updates.
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