January 18, 2010

Overview: H1N1 and seasonal flu

Novel H1N1 flu is a respiratory infection caused by the swine influenza A (H1N1) virus, which was first recognized in the spring of 2009. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 occurs when the virus infects the cells lining the nose, throat and lungs. It can enter the body when someone inhales contaminated droplets or transfers the live virus on their hand from a contaminated surface to their eyes, nose or mouth.

Most people who get the flu (either H1N1 or seasonal) need no treatment other than symptom relief and get better on their own. However, women who are pregnant, young children, people over 65 and those with certain chronic medical conditions – including asthma, emphysema, heart disease, diabetes, neuromuscular disease, kidney disease or liver disease – have an increased risk of developing serious flu-related complications that may lead to hospitalization or even death. People at high risk who think they may have the flu should call their doctor immediately.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has posted more general information about H1N1 and seasonal flu on their Web site.

Is it the flu or a common cold?

The flu (both H1N1 and seasonal) and common cold share many symptoms – including nasal congestion, cough, body aches and fatigue – but there are some key differences. A person with a cold typically feels better after a few days to a week, and rarely has a fever above 101 degrees F. Someone who has the flu, on the other hand, may experience more severe symptoms and usually will have a high fever (100-102 degrees F) that lasts three to four days.

A list of common flu symptoms is available on the CDC's Web site.

H1N1 and pregnant women

Pregnant women who get sick with H1N1 can get sicker than other people who get H1N1 flu and can experience serious complications – including early labor and severe pneumonia. If you are pregnant and have symptoms of the flu, take it very seriously and call your doctor.

Polk County Health Department (PCHD) has started a waiting list for pregnant women wanting to receive the H1N1 injectable vaccine.  Please call (515) 323-5330 for more information or to be placed on the waiting list.

The Perinatal Center of Iowa has posted additional information about H1N1 and pregnancy on its Web site.

Mercy is requesting all hospital visitors to refrain from visiting hospitalized friends or family members if they have had flu-like symptoms during the past seven days. Flu symptoms include:

• Fever*
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Body aches
• Headaches
• Chills
• Occasional diarrhea or vomiting

*It’s important to note that some people with flu will not have a fever.

If you are visiting an ill patient, you may be required to wear a mask. Masks are provided for your protection as well as for that of those around you and help to prevent the spread of flu-like illnesses.

In addition, to help prevent the spread of illness, all visitors are required to wash hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand gel upon entering and exiting a patient’s room.