Key Flu Facts:

Influenza A H1N1: KEY FACTS

Q: What is Influenza A H1N1?
A: According to the CDC, Influenza A H1N1 is a respiratory disease typically found in pigs that is caused by type A influenza viruses. While it is not typical for humans to contract Influenza A H1N1, human infections occasionally do happen.

Q: Where do these current human cases of Influenza A H1N1 stem from?
A: According to the CDC, human infections with the Influenza A H1N1 were first reported in late March/ early April 2009 in Southern California and San Antonio, Texas. The original source of the infection is unknown.

Q: Is the current strain of Influenza A H1N1 contagious?
A: Yes, the CDC has determined that this Influenza A H1N1 strain is contagious and can spread from human to human.

Q: How does Influenza A H1N1 spread?
A: It has yet to be determined how exactly the current strain of Influenza A H1N1 is spreading, but flu is normally spread through the air via droplets expelled from the mouth when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes. These droplets often land on hands and adjacent surfaces. Following proper hygiene routines can help prevent the spread of illness.

Q: The World Health Organization has raised the pandemic alert level for influenza A (H1N1) from 5 to 6. What does this mean?
A: It simply means that the WHO is following protocol established for pandemic alert warnings. It does not mean that influenza A (H1N1) is necessarily causing more serious infections, or deaths. It simply indicates that the virus is spreading in additional regions of the world, such as Australia, Japan, Chile and the United Kingdom.₁₂ The declaration is designed to help accelerate the production of a vaccine against this new virus and encourage countries around the world to put additional funding toward pandemic research.₃ According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention representatives, U.S. health authorities have been taking full pandemic preparedness measures over the past month to help protect families from influenza A (H1N1).

Q: How can families protect themselves from Influenza A H1N1?
A: Like all viruses, the best way to help prevent infection and protect your family is to follow proper hygiene routines. These include routines recommended by the CDC Ounce of Prevention Initiative:

• Wash your hands: Thoroughly wash your hands throughout the day with soap and water for 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice), making sure to scrub underneath the nails and the back of the hands. If soap is not readily available, use a hand sanitizer.Disinfect surfaces: Regularly disinfect the frequently-touched surfaces in your home with a disinfectant to prevent viruses from spreading from surfaces to people.Avoid close contact with people who are sick. And if you yourself are ill, stay home to avoid spreading germs to those around you.

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