H1N1 Influenza A Virus (Swine Flu)

Ask our expert about H1N1 Influenza A Virus, also known as swine flu

About Our Expert

Luther V. Rhodes III, M.D. is an infectious diseases specialist with Lehigh Valley Health Network.

• What kinds of precautions should I take to avoid getting H1N1 (swine flu)?
• Is it true that I should avoid public places and confined areas like a concert or sporting event?
• What should I do in case I or someone in my family develops flu-like symptoms?
• Will surgical masks really protect me from H1N1 flu?
• I had my flu shot already. Will that be enough to protect me?
• I have chronic respiratory/sinus infections and severe allergies. How can I tell the difference between normal infection and swine flu?
• Is H1N1 flu worse than regular seasonal flu?
• How is H1N1 flu spread?
• How is Lehigh Valley Health Network prepared for this virus?

Q: What kinds of precautions should I take to avoid getting H1N1 (swine flu)?

A: Preventing H1N1 flu means taking the same precautions you would at any time to ward off infection. They include:

• Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water after you cough, before you eat or after being in public places. If soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizing gels will do the job as effectively. Wash for 20 seconds (the time it takes to recite the alphabet).
• Covering your mouth with a tissue or your arm when you sneeze or cough. This will help prevent others from getting sick, stopping the spread of disease.
• Avoiding contact with others who are ill with flu-like symptoms. Stay six feet away at all times.
• Staying home from work or school if you develop flu-like symptoms.

Q: Is it true that I should avoid public places and confined areas like a concert or sporting event?

A: Your local public health department is giving almost daily advice regarding avoiding crowds, school closures and other social distancing measures. It's important that if you have flu-like symptoms you should avoid public places to prevent spreading infection.

Q: What should I do in case I or someone in my family develops flu-like symptoms?

A: If you have flu-like symptoms such as cough, sore throat, fever, nasal congestion, muscle aches, vomiting or diarrhea, contact your medical provider. Do not go to work, school or public gatherings. If your health care provider is not available, seek care from at your local hospital's emergency room and immediately tell the triage nurse about your symptoms.

In the near future medical professionals anticipate that seasonal influenza may begin circulating in addition to H1N1 influenza. If your loved one has flu-like symptoms, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue and wash your hands thoroughly. If you have these symptoms and have had contact with someone with known seasonal flu or H1N1 flu, let your health care provider know immediately.

Q: Will surgical masks really protect me from H1N1 flu?

A: Surgical masks are not designed to protect you from getting H1N1 flu or any infection. Wearing one will help prevent any potential infection you have from being spread through the air to others.

Q: I had my flu shot already. Will that be enough to protect me?

A: While the seasonal influenza vaccination you may have received protects you against more common strains of influenza, it is not enough to protect you from this strain. A vaccine for H1N1 has been developed and is being strategically distributed by the Department of Health. To find a distribution location go to www.h1n1inpa.com. The H1N1 vaccine is initially being targeted to the priority groups as established by the CDC. See their website for details at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu.

Q: I have chronic respiratory/sinus infections and severe allergies. How can I tell the difference between normal infection and swine flu?

A: Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches and sometimes breathing difficulties – more severe than a respiratory/sinus infection. With H1N1 flu, symptoms also can include diarrhea and vomiting.

Q: Is H1N1 flu worse than regular seasonal flu?

A: The H1N1 virus is about the same as the regular seasonal influenza virus.

Q: How is H1N1 flu spread?

A: H1N1 flu is spread the same way as seasonal flu: from person to person. It's airborne, which means it is spread by infected persons coughing or sneezing.

Q: How is Lehigh Valley Health Network prepared for this virus?

A: We have notified all personnel at our health network about H1N1 influenza and are prepared to care for it if we receive any patients who have the virus. Many community hospitals, including Lehigh Valley Health Network, have stockpiles of antiviral medications to treat H1N1 flu and masks to help prevent transmission.

This page last updated 12/31/09 02:28 PM