|
|
|
| H1N1: Interviews with Joseph Kane, MD, specialist in infectious diseases |
 Seeking Medical Care
Most people suffering from flu-like symptoms including H1N1 symptoms can recover just fine at home...
Play Now
Visitor Policy during Flu Season
To help protect our patients and critical healthcare personnel, Southwest has adapted our visitor...
Play Now
What masks are appropriate for H1N1 interactions?
There has been some confusion and concern over what type of masks are best suited for caregivers...
Play Now
Not enough vaccine. Now what?
Unfortunately, the government and manufacturers have not met initial distribution goals for the...
Play Now
|
Flu season is around the corner. This year, many people are most concerned about the new H1N1 flu virus, more commonly known as swine flu.
What is flu?
Influenza, or flu as it is typically referred to, is caused by viruses that infect the respiratory tract (nose, throat, lungs). Symptoms may include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may also have vomiting and diarrhea.
What is swine flu?
The swine flu is a new type of flu caused by the H1N1 virus. It is currently spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. It was originally referred to as the swine flu because, according to the CDC's swine flu FAQs, laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in the new H1N1 virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs (swine) in North America. But further study has shown that this new virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs.
How can I prevent becoming infected?
One of the most effective ways to prevent spreading or catching the virus is to wash your hands often. There is a right way to wash your hands for best results. You should also avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs spread that way.
Another effective preventive measure is to receive your flu vaccine shot. Each year, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) assesses the most likely viruses that will be around during flu season (November through March) and prepares a vaccine to help ward off infections.
You can help prevent the spread of infection by staying at home when you exhibit flu symptoms, such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills. Symptoms may also include fatigue, diarrhea and vomiting. You may be infectious one day before you have symptoms and up to 7 days after you get sick
You can find more information about influenza at these resources:
- Patients, Visitors, Community
- Useful Website Links
|
