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H1N1 Flu FAQs
What is the 2009 H1N1 flu?The 2009 H1N1 flu is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. Most people do not have immunity to this virus, so it spreads quickly. People with the flu spread the virus through coughing or sneezing near others. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their eyes, mouth, or nose. Those currently at higher risk of serious flu-related complications from the 2009 H1N1 flu include children younger than five years old, pregnant women, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease), adults and children who have a weak immune system, residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities and persons aged 65 years or older. See http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm for more information about high risk groups When was it first detected?The 2009 H1N1 influenza first caused illness in Mexico and the United States in March and April, 2009. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a global pandemic of 2009 H1N1 flu was underway by raising the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6. This action was a reflection of the spread of the new 2009 H1N1 flu virus across the globe, not the severity of illness caused by the virus. At the time, more than 70 countries had reported cases of 2009 H1N1 flu infection and there were ongoing community level outbreaks of 2009 H1N1 flu in multiple parts of the world. Since June, this new H1N1 virus has continued to spread. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) anticipates additional cases associated with this pandemic in the United States during the U.S. 2009–2010 influenza season. Community strategies that delay or reduce the impact of a pandemic (also called nonpharmaceutical interventions) may help reduce the spread of disease until a vaccine is available. What are the signs and symptoms of the 2009 H1N1 flu in people?The symptoms of seasonal and 2009 H1N1 flu virus in people include fever or chills AND cough or sore throat. In addition, symptoms of flu can include runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting. Like seasonal flu, the 2009 H1N1 flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions. In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
Severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with 2009 H1N1 flu infection in some people. How long should a person stay out of work if they have an influenza-like illness?Workers who have symptoms of influenza-like illness (see above) should stay home and not come to work until at least 24 hours after their fever has resolved. You should plan now to allow and encourage sick workers to stay home. When will it hit my community and how serious will it be?The 2009 H1N1 flu influenza virus may affect different communities at different times and in different ways. The flu may make many more people sick then usual, or it may not. We will likely see a re-emergence or continued outbreak in communities as the regular 2009–2010 flu season begins this fall. The CDC is monitoring flu activity. You can view the latest Pennsylvnia case count on the Department of Health's website. Why should small business owners plan for the 2009 H1N1 flu?Small businesses are especially susceptible to the negative economic impacts of a flu pandemic. An estimated 25 percent of businesses do not reopen following a major disaster, according to the Institute for Business and Home Safety. Planning from the outset can help offset business losses, and protect your business and your employees when this flu hits. Benefits of planning are:
The SBDC can help you get started with your plan.Visit our H1N1 flu page or contract your local Small Business Development Center for help. What steps should you be prepared to take when the H1N1 flu hits your community?CDC recommends that sick people stay home and away from the workplace. The best way to slow the spread of the disease is to keep sick people away from well people, given that the 2009 H1N1 flu virus is a new virus and most people will not have prior immunity to protect them from acquiring infection. If sick people come to work, they may infect other workers, and this has the potential to lead to a high rate of absenteeism in the workplace. Your business’s actions should be tied to the extent and severity in your local area. Choose someone to be responsible for flu issues at the workplace. They should contact the local heath department for guidance and monitor the level and severity of the 2009 H1N1 flu illness in your business’ community and region, and sign up for e-mailed updates from www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu. Where can I go for more resources?Additional website links can be found on the last page of this guide. More resources can be found online at www.flu.gov, a one-stop access to U.S. Government 2009 H1N1 flu, avian and pandemic flu information. Also go to http://www.ready.gov/business/ for help on preparing a business continuity plan. |
