During
the fall and winter seasons in particular, New Yorkers are at risk for the flu.
In addition to the typical seasonal flu, this year the H1N1 virus – also known
as swine flu – is causing illness in people.
(For
the most current information on the spread of H1N1 influenza throughout the
city and on the distribution of the H1N1 vaccine in the five boroughs, visit: www.nyc.gov/flu.
For information on the safety of vaccines, visit: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/flu/downloads/pdf/flu_vaccine_safety_faq.pdf)
Below
is a helpful Q&A about the H1N1 influenza virus to better prepare New
Yorkers for the 2009 flu season.
1. What is the H1N1 influenza virus?
According
to the New York City Health Department, “similar to seasonal influenza, H1N1
influenza is caused by a virus which infects the nose, throat and lungs.
Although it is generally mild, the illness can be severe in some cases. Its symptoms
are: cough or sore throat that can last a week or more, fever, headaches,
body aches, chills, tiredness, and sometimes diarrhea and/or vomiting.”
2. How can I catch the H1N1 influenza
virus?
According
to the City Health Department, “infected
people can spread the virus when they cough or sneeze into the air. People
can get infected by breathing in droplets released when the infected person
coughs or sneezes, or by touching something with flu viruses on it, then
touching their mouth or nose.”
3. How can I prevent myself and others from
getting H1N1?
To
best prevent yourself and others from spreading the virus, cough or sneeze into
your sleeve or tissue, wash hands frequently with soap and water, and use hand
sanitizer. If you experience flu-like symptoms – particularly fever and cough
or sore throat – stay home from work or school.
4. How can the H1N1 influenza virus be diagnosed?
The
City Health Department does not recommend testing for the H1N1 influenza virus
because all flu viruses are treated the same way, regardless of type. Testing
for the influenza virus should be reserved for people who are critically ill.
Only go to the hospital if symptoms worsen. Some critical symptoms to watch
for are divided into two groups, adults and children.
Adults: trouble breathing or
shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or stomach, sudden
dizziness, confusion, or severe vomiting that won’t stop.
Children: fast breathing or trouble breathing, bluish
skin color, fever with a rash, refusing to drink fluids, vomiting or diarrhea
that won’t stop, not waking up or not interacting, being too irritable to be
held, or having flu symptoms return with fever and worse cough after starting
to get better.
As
a rule of thumb, consult your doctor about whether you or your child should be
tested.
5. Is there
Antiviral medication available to treat H1N1 virus?
Yes, the CDC
recommends the use of Oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) or Zanamivir for the treatment of
the H1N1 influenza virus. You can get a prescription from your health care
provider. Before you fill the prescription, call the pharmacy to check
its supply.
6. Who should get vaccinated?
The Center for
Disease Control recommends that the following groups
should receive the H1N1 vaccine first: pregnant women,
people aged 6 months to 24 years old, medical and health care workers, people
aged 25 to 65 years old with underlying health conditions, and people who care
for or live with children younger than six months.
As part of its
H1N1 city prevention plan, the City will provide free H1N1 vaccinations for
public and non-public school children. Because children are
particularly susceptible to the virus, the Department of Health (DOH) does not
want them to go without vaccination due to cost. Therefore, in late October,
public school children will be sent home with H1N1 information packets
containing permission forms. In November and December, elementary children will
be vaccinated at their schools during the school day, while weekend vaccine
clinics set up in each borough will provide vaccines for middle and high school
children.
For
the Center for Disease Control’s most current information on the 2009 H1N1 flu
season, visit: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu
For
the New York State Department of Health 1009-2010 flu monitor, visit: http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/communicable/influenza/surveillance/2009-2010/
Or,
call the H1N1 Influenza Hotline for the Public: 1-800-808-1987 -
available 24/7
And,
health care personnel with questions about influenza vaccination requirements
please call: 1-800-808-1987
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