Flu Facts
What is H1N1 (swine) flu?
H1N1 (swine) flu is a respiratory disease caused by the type A influenza virus. It is a new flu virus and was first detected in people in Oregon in spring 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that the regular seasonal flu viruses spread.
How severe is illness associated with H1N1 flu virus?
Like seasonal flu, illness with the new H1N1 virus has ranged from mild to severe. While most people who have been sick have recovered without needing medical treatment, hospitalizations and deaths from infection with this virus have occurred.
Why is the H1N1 virus sometimes called “swine flu”?
This virus was originally referred to as “swine flu” because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs (swine) in North America. But further study has shown that this new virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs. It has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia and bird (avian) genes and human genes. Scientists call this a "quadruple reassortant" virus.
How do I know if my symptoms are H1N1 flu or seasonal flu?
It will be difficult to determine if someone who is sick has the new H1N1 flu virus or seasonal flu because the symptoms are very similar. Given the worldwide presence of H1N1 flu, federal and state health officials are not recommending laboratory tests to determine in all cases whether an ill person has H1N1 flu.
What are the risk factors?
- Certain groups are at increased risk of complications: pregnant women, infants, children and young adults up to 24 years of age, and those with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or compromised immunity
- People in these groups who develop a high fever with cough, sore throat, or muscle aches, or parents of young children with these symptoms, should call their health care provider
- The flu spreads from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people who are sick
What are common symptoms?
Fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people also experience diarrhea and vomiting. Infections can be mild to severe.
When should I seek medical care?
Seek emergency medical care of you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
What are the best ways to prevent catching the flu?
- Cover your nose and mouth with your sleeve or 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 cleansers are also effective
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people
- Always stay home from work or school when you're sick, and limit contact with others to keep them from getting sick
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
- Frequently clean your living quarters with product that kills flu virus. Clean commonly used surfaces such as door knobs, refrigerator handles, computer keyboards, countertops
If I get sick, what should I do?
- Most people get better with bed rest, good nutrition, and use of over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms
- Stay at home or in your residence until at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever. This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications that contain ibuprofen and acetaminophen
- Contact Health Services (503-554-2340) if you experience difficulty breathing, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion, or severe or persistent vomiting. The Office of Student Life (503-554-2310) will coordinate the delivery of meals to ill students.
- Individuals with chronic health conditions who are at high risk of complications may benefit from antiviral medication. Those at risk for complications from flu should check with their health care provider about their options.
For more information:
Oregon Public Health Flu Hotline: 1.800.978.3040 Currently M-F 8 am - 6 pm Pacific time Beginning November 12: M-F 8 am - 8 pm Weekends & Holidays 8 am - 5 pm