H1N1 (Swine) Flu Information 
Updated 2-8-10

CCHD Flu Information Line: 928-679-7300

Seasonal flu vaccine -  Click here for more information

H1N1 (swine) Flu Update

Because H1N1 (swine) flu is a new virus, many people may have little or no immunity against it, and illness may be more severe and widespread as a result.

In the United States, most people who have become ill with the newly declared pandemic virus have recovered without requiring medical treatment, however, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) anticipates that there will be more cases, more hospitalizations and more deaths associated with this pandemic in the coming days and weeks. In addition, this virus could cause significant illness with associated hospitalizations and deaths in the fall and winter during the U.S. influenza season.

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Flu Symptoms
The symptoms of H1N1 (swine) flu 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 associated with swine flu. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• Fever with a rash

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting

What to Do If You Get Flu-Like Symptoms

Health officials advise individuals who develop influenza-like-illness (ILI) (fever with either cough or sore throat) to stay at home, to get lots of rest and drink plenty of fluids. Persons who experience symptoms and wish to seek medical care should contact their health care providers to report illness (by telephone or other remote means) before seeking care at a clinic, physician’s office, or hospital. Those with severe symptoms (see above) who have difficulty breathing or shortness of breath or are believed to be severely ill should seek immediate medical attention.

There are things that people can do to help them stay healthy. The Coconino County Health Department recommends the following preventative measures:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If you don't have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve.

• 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.

• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

• If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

The following prevention measures will help to lessen the impact on individuals, families and businesses in the event of an influenza pandemic:

Prepare for a possible school closure and plan for daycare if necessary.

Prepare for a possible extended stay in your home - Store a supply of water and food.

Have any nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, and vitamins.

Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick, or what will be needed to care for them in your home.

Businesses should consider how they will operate if several of their employee are out sick or out caring for sick family members.

Information about how to prepare is available at http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/tab3.html.

If severe symptoms occur (as outlined above), individuals should contact a healthcare provider. You may be asked by your health care provider to wear a mask if you are experiencing influenza-like illness (ILI) and need to visit the healthcare facility.

Where To Find More Information
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has created a webpage with information and updates. Visit www.cdc.gov/flu/swine or call 1-800-CDC-INFO.

Information is also available on the Centers for Disease Control and prevention (CDC) website at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ or by calling the CCHD Flu Information Line at 928-679-7300 or toll-free at 1-877-679-7272.

Click a link below to find more information:

Coconino County Flu Report

Printable Brochure - The Flu: Questions and Answers

Printable Flyer - H1N1 (Swine) flu

Seasonal Flu Information

Information on Pandemic Flu 

Recent Press Releases

Fraudulent 2009 H1N1 Influenza Products List