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Bonner General Hospital is working with Panhandle Health District and other regional organizations to monitor the status of H1N1 influenza in North Idaho. You can access the latest regional information about swine flu from Panhandle Health District here. You can also access up-to-date information about H1N1 influenza from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention here. If you develop mild flu-like symptoms that are non-emergent in nature, we encourage you to call your primary care physician for advice. If you believe you have been exposed to H1N1 influenza, please call before going to your physician's office so that they can take proper precautions to avoid exposing other patients. We also encourage everyone to practice flu-prevention measures, such as regular handwashing, to help slow the spread of the flu. CDC's Answers to Commonly-Asked Questions:
What is H1N1 influenza?
H1N1 Influenza ("swine" flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get H1N1 influenza, but human infections can and do happen. H1N1 flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people. What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1 influenza?
The symptoms of H1N1 influenza in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and may include - fever
- cough
- sore throat
- body aches
- headache
- chills
- fatigue
- diarrhea
- vomiting
How does H1N1 influenza spread?
Spread of the H1N1 influenza virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. How can I avoid getting or spreading H1N1 influenza?
Take the H1N1 influenza vaccine once it becomes available, as well as your regular seasonal flu vaccine. These everyday common sense steps can also help you protect your health and prevent the spread of H1N1 influenza: - Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- Stay home if you're sick and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
What should I do if I get sick?
If you develop flu-like symptoms, contact your physician or healthcare provider to determine whether testing or treatment is needed. You should also stay home and avoid contact with others as much as possible. When should I seek emergency medical care?
If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care. In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include: - Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- 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
- Fever with a rash
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include: - Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
Note: This information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other healthcare provider with any questions you may have about any medical condition. If you believe you may have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
Resources:Panhandle Health District www.phd1.idaho.gov Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov/swineflu U.S. Government www.PandemicFlu.gov World Health Organization www.who.int/en
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