RI Department of Health H1N1 Vaccine Distribution Schedule
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Links to Rhode Island Flu Resources

Links to Massachusetts Flu Resources

Links to CDC Flu Resources

 

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General Information

 

2009 H1N1 (Swine) Flu Facts

  • Most people who have been sick with the 2009 H1N1 flu virus have recovered without needing medical treatment.

  • About 70% of people who have been hospitalized with the 2009 H1N1 virus had one or more medical conditions recognized as placing people at “high risk” of complications from seasonal flu. These medical conditions include asthma, diabetes, suppressed immune systems, heart disease, kidney disease, and pregnancy.

  • In the U.S., an average of 36,000 people die from flu-related complications each year.

  • The 2009 H1N1 flu has caused greater disease burden on people younger than 25 years of age than on older people.

  • About one-third of adults older than 60 may have antibodies against the 2009 H1N1 virus.

  • Humans cannot get the 2009 H1N1 virus from eating or preparing pork.

(Source: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm)

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How to avoid getting sick

Flu viruses spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes near another person. They may also spread when people touch something covered with infected droplets and then touch their eyes, mouth, or nose. Here are things you can do to prevent the spread of flu:

  • Wash your hands often throughout the day. Use warm water and soap. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand gel.

  • Avoid close contact with sick people.

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.

  • Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious foods.

(Source: http://www.health.ri.gov/flu/index.php)

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Parents, share these two resources with your children:


Sesame Street's Gordon and Elmo show children 3 tips for avoiding flu
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Bill Harley makes hand washing fun with this new song for children

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Symptoms of H1N1 (Swine) Flu

  • The symptoms of H1N1 (Swine) flu are similar to seasonal flu, but may include additional symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.

  • Symptoms of Seasonal and H1N1 (Swine) Flu:


    • Seasonal Flu

    H1N1 (Swine) Flu

    All types of flu can cause:

    • Fever
    • Coughing and/or sore throat
    • Runny or stuffy nose
    • Headaches and/or body aches
    • Chills
    • Fatigue

    Similar to seasonal flu, but symptoms may be more severe.

    There may be additional symptoms. A significant number of H1N1 (Swine) flu cases:

    • Vomiting
    • Diarrhea
    • Emergency Warning Signs - If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.

    Emergency warning signs in children:

    Emergency warning signs in adults:
    • Fast breathing or trouble breathing
    • Bluish or gray skin color
    • Not drinking enough fluids
    • Severe or persistent vomiting
    • 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
    • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
    • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
    • Sudden dizziness
    • Confusion
    • Severe or persistent vomiting
    • Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

    (source: http://flu.gov/individualfamily/about/h1n1/index.html)

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    What to do if you think you have the flu

    • If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care.

    • If your flu-like symptoms (fever plus cough or fever plus sore throat) are mild to moderate, stay home and avoid contact with other people until you have been fever-free (temperature less than 100 ° F or 37.8 ° C) for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.

    • Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.

    • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it and wash your hands immediately.

    • You can spread the flu virus 1 day before getting sick and 5-7 days after.

    (Source: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm)

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    For more information about the 2009 H1N1 virus please visit:

    Rhode Island Department of Health Flu Information Line: 401-222-8022

    Massachusetts Executive Office of Health & Human Services

    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

    Flu.gov Website

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