Health Resources

Basic Facts About Swine Flu

The Things People Need to Know About the H1N1 Virus
The 2009 H1N1 Virus, still commonly referred to as “swine flu” by many people, is a new influenza virus that was first detected in 2009 . H1N1 is known as swine flu because scientists originally believed it was similar to a type of flu carried by pigs; however, it has since been found to be a combination of two existing flu bugs; one is normally found in pigs, while the other is found in birds. The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 normally include cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, achy head and body, chills and fatigue. Many people also develop a fever, and some also experience diarrhea and vomiting.

How Does Swine Flu Spread?
H1N1 is mainly spread in two ways.
• Directly, from person to person, through coughing and sneezing
• Indirectly, from person to person, when the virus passes from one person’s hands onto a surface (like a tissue, a door handle or a drinking glass), and from that surface to a second person.

What Kills H1N1 Virus?
Apart from the body’s own immune defence system, there are two ways to eliminate the H1N1 virus:
• Heat: H1N1 is killed by temperatures from 167°F (75°C) up to the boiling point of water: 212°F (100°C).
• Chemicals: These include regular hand soap and dishwashing detergent, as well as chlorine (used in many water treatment systems), hydrogen peroxide, alcohol and certain antiseptics based on iodine, as long as they are used in high enough concentrations over a long enough period of time.

How to Avoid Catching and Transmitting Swine Flu
There are several things you can do to avoid catching and transmitting the virus, including the following:
• Get the flu shot in accordance with the directions from local health authorities. This may include both a seasonal flu vaccination and an inoculation against 2009 H1N1 virus. (For children, some authorities are recommending a two-part vaccination.)
• Wash hands regularly, using soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Sneeze and cough into a tissue and discard it promptly. If no tissue is available, sneeze into a sleeve.
• If symptoms appear, stay home until at least 24 hours after all signs of fever are gone.
• Avoid close contact with people who are ill, if possible.
• Follow the advice of local authorities regarding special situations such as school closings and travel advisories.
• Stay informed.