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H1N1 flu Q and A

  • Published
  • 386th Expeditionary Medical Group Public Health
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  The 386th Expeditionary Medical Group Public Health Office wants to make sure Rock Airmen are aware or the symptoms and nature of the H1N1 flu, also known as swine flu.

Airmen with questions about H1N1 flu can reference the following questions and answers or call Public Health at 442-9894 or 442-2273.

What is swine flu?
H1N1 flu, also known as swine flu, is a respiratory disease caused by type A influenza viruses that cause regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get H1N1 flu, but human infections can and do happen. H1N1 flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person in the past.

What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1 flu in people?
The symptoms of H1N1 flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting as well. If you are experiencing any of these signs and symptoms, please come to the Rock Clinic immediately.

How does H1N1 flu spread?
Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Infected people may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to seven or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick as well as while you are sick.

What should I do to keep from getting the flu?
First and most important: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food. Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.

Can I get H1N1 influenza from eating or preparing pork?
No. H1N1 influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get it from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.

Are there medicines to treat H1N1 flu?
Yes. Seek medical care to be treated.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against H1N1 flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health: 

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

· Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. 

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

· Try to avoid close contact with sick people. 

· If you get sick with influenza, seek medical help at the Rock Clinic and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

For more information, call Public Health at 442-9894 or 442-2273.