H1N1 Flu Facts:

• H1N1 Flu is an influenza virus identified in 2009 that has caused illness in people worldwide. Since the flu is a viral infection, antiviral medication may be used to treat and prevent infections from H1N1 inflenza. Antibiotics are not effective for treating the influenza itself, however, they may be useful in treating secondary bacterial infections that can result from or occur with the 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. Further study, however, has shown that this new virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs.
• H1N1 was first detected in humans in the U.S. in April 2009.
• H1N1 flu is spread primarily from person to person through coughing and sneezing. It is also possible for people to catch the flu by touching objects (telephones, eating utensils, doorknobs, etc.) contaminated with flu viruses and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.
• 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.
• The prescription medicines approved for human influenza viruses should work in treating H1N1 influenza infection in humans. However, influenza viruses can become resistant to these drugs, so these medications may not always work.
• You cannot catch H1N1 flu from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160°F kills the H1N1 flu virus as it does other bacteria and viruses.
• The 2011-2012 seasonal influenza vaccine provides protection against H1N1 influenza.

Preventing the Flu

Ways to prevent catching and spreading the flu include:

• Get vaccinated as soon as possible
• Clean your hands often with soap and warm water or alcohol based gels. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough then put used tissue in the waste basket. If a tissue is not available, then sneeze or cough into the inside of your elbow, not your hand.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick and keep your distance or stay home if you are sick.

Health information products (brochures, posters, etc.) on influenza are available online in the USAPHC Health Information Products eCatalog.

Videos from Army Newswatch:

• H1N1 Flu, part 1 August 20, 2009, Army Media Player, 1:56 minutes
• H1N1 Flu, part 2 September 3, 2009, Army Media Player, 1:41 minutes
• H1N1 Flu, part 3 October 1, 2009, Army Media Player, 1:27 minutes
• H1N1 Flu, part 4 October 29, 2009, Army Media Player, 1:01 minutes

Resources - H1N1 Influenza Guidance, Recommendations and Policies

Government Resources

Clinicians

• CDC - H1N1 Flu Clinical and Public Health Guidance 
• CDC - Interim Guidance on Infection Control Measures for 2009 H1N1 Influenza in Healthcare Settings, Including Protection of Healthcare Personnel (archival) 
• CDC - Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Resources for Health Professionals 
• CDC - Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Resources for Health Professionals 
• HHS - HHS Pandemic Influenza Plan Supplement 5 Clinical Guidelines 
• HHS - HHS Pandemic Influenza Plan  Supplement 4 Infection Control 
• Flu.gov - Interim Guidance on Planning for the Use of Surgical Masks and Respirators in Health Care Settings during an Influenza Pandemic 
• OSHA Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Guidance for Healthcare Workers and Healthcare Employers (2009) 

DoD

• DoD Global Influenza Surveillance Questionnaire, 2009-2010 
• AKO - H1N1 Influenza Information Center  (Swine Flu)
• Department of Defense Memo: Pandemic Vaccine Guidance for 2009 H1N1 Pandemic (September 2009) 
• Department of Defense Memo: Public Health Emergency Management of the 2009 H1N1 Flu (May 2009) 
• Health.mil - Influenza Resources 
• TRICARE - Military Treatment Facility Locator 
• Pandemic Influenza: Clinical and Public Health Guidelines for the Military Health System (June 2009) 
• Force Health Protection & Readiness - Pandemic Influenza Watchboard 
• USAPHC Technical Information Paper: Guidance and Information Regarding Swine Influenza A for all U.S. Army Medical Activities (April 2009)

General/Family Members