IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
Should I be concerned with H1N1 flu?
How do I know I have it? What do I look for?
What should I do if I suspect I might have the H1N1 virus?
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
Where can I get more information?

Q. Should I be concerned with H1N1 flu?

A. Because of the late emergence of H1N1 virus, antibodies for this novel flu strain could not be included in the seasonal flu shot. While this flu has still only affected a relatively small number of people nationwide, there is potential for these numbers to grow. The World Health Organization has declared the H1N1 flu to be a pandemic, but that does not mean that you should panic. The more you know about the disease, the more steps you can take to protect yourself.

Q. How do I know I have it? What do I look for?

A. The symptoms of H1N1 influenza are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu: fever, runny or stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people have also reported diarrhea and vomiting. If you are sick or think you have H1N1 influenza infection, please contact your healthcare provider. Authorities urge parents to seek immediate help if emergency warning signs develop.

In children, these are:

• Fast or troubled breathing
• Bluish or gray skin color
• Lack of thirst
• Failure to wake up easily or interact
• Irritability so that the child does not want to be held
• Improvement of symptoms, then a return to fever and worse cough
• Fever with a rash

In adults, these are:

• Difficulty breathing/shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Flu-like symptoms that go away but return with fever and worse cough.

While everyone is susceptible to catching the H1N1 virus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified several groups who are particularly vulnerable:

• Pregnant women
• People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
• Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
• Persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old
• Persons 25 through 64 years of age who have chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems

Q. What should I do if I suspect I might have the H1N1 virus?

A. While it is expected that most people will recover without needing medical care, if your illness becomes severe or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care.

If you are sick with a flu-like illness that is not severe enough to warrant medical attention, you should stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)

Remember: The main way influenza viruses spread is from person to person in respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes. Therefore, it is important to keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick. While home, get plenty of rest, drink clear fluids (e.g., water, broth, sports drinks, electrolyte beverages for infants) to keep from being dehydrated, cover coughs and sneezes, and wash hands often with soap and water (alcohol-based hand rub, if soap and water are not available).

Q. What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

A. The H1N1 vaccine is available in San Diego County. Getting vaccinated this year may be a three-step process. The CDC recommends that all Californians get their regular flu shot as soon as it becomes available. After you receive the flu shot, check with your doctor about when you and your family can receive the H1N1 vaccine. (According to the CDC, certain groups are more susceptible to the H1N1 flu and have priority to receive the vaccine.) The H1N1 vaccine may require up to two separate shots over a 3-4 week period. The seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 vaccine do not substitute for one another.

Because this year’s flu season may be particularly severe, health officials strongly recommend that all susceptible Californians receive all three shots. As with any medical issue, please consult with your doctor or health care provider before taking any medication or vaccines.

H1N1 Vaccine Information and Locations: San Diego County residents should call their primary care doctor to check on availability of H1N1 vaccine. Locations of county public health centers can be found here or by calling 2-1-1 San Diego.

Additionally, the many retail locations and public health-sponsored sites have the seasonal flu vaccine available now and should have H1N1 vaccine in the future.  Contact your local pharmacy or retail drug store for details.

Q. Where can I get more information?

A. There are a number of worldwide, national, and statewide resources that can help you prevent, prepare, and be aware.

• County of San Diego: With up-to-the-minute news and statistics on H1N1-related hospitalizations and deaths in the county, as well as tips for prevention and materials for display, this should be your first stop for help.
  
  
• Centers for Disease Control and Disease: The CDC tracks the common flu and any H1N1 outbreaks on a weekly basis. Navigate this website for all the H1N1 information available, plus look for information on how to prevent catching the flu and stay healthy.
  
  
• California Department of Public Health: As part of its efforts to provide updated information to Californians on what they can do to protect themselves and their families from the H1N1 flu outbreak, the CDPH has activated a toll-free H1N1 flu hotline in English and Spanish: 1-888-865-0564. Assistance in other languages is also available. The hotline is available Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and on weekends from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Additionally, the site provides statistics and information for schools and travelers.
  
  
• World Health Organization: As the coordinating authority for health within the United Nations, this site offers weekly epidemiological records and regional information. Information is provided in several languages, including Spanish.
• Vacunas y Mi Salud: Informese en donde vacunar a su familia.

Schedule a flu shot reminder here.

San Diego County Department of Health’s website for local H1N1 information