Virginia Department of Health
H1N1 Influenza
What are the symptoms of H1N1?
The symptoms of H1N1 are the same as the seasonal flu. These symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people, particularly young children, may also experience vomiting and diarrhea.
Will the seasonal flu vaccine also protect against the H1N1 flu?
The seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against the H1N1 flu.
When and where will vaccine be available?
H1N1 influenza vaccine is now available to the general public.
More than 3,000 physician offices, pharmacies, big box stores, clinics and health departments are registered with the Virginia Department of Health as H1N1 vaccinators. To find vaccination sites serving the public, use the Flu Vaccine Locator tool on the VDH Web site at www.vdh.virginia.gov. Information is also available from the VDH Inquiry Center toll free weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 1-877-ASK-VDH3.
Who is most at risk for H1N1?
In contrast to the seasonal influenza, current evidence indicates that relatively few cases of H1N1 have occurred among older persons. The highest hospitalization rates for illness caused by H1N1 have been among persons aged <25 years. Pregnant women and people with certain medical conditions have an increased risk of developing complications from the H1N1 influenza virus.
Is H1N1 easier to get than the seasonal flu?
Yes, for two reasons. The majority of people do not have protection (immunity) against H1N1 and there is some scientific evidence that it may be somewhat more contagious than seasonal flu (for example, family members and people who live together are more likely to spread among themselves if one person becomes infected).
How many people have died from H1N1 in Virginia?
The number of deaths reported to the Virginia Department of health that are associated with laboratory-confirmed H1N1 influenza can be found on the Tracking H1N1 Influenza in Virginia Web page.
What can I do to prevent getting infected?
First, get vaccinated against the seasonal flu now and the H1N1 flu as vaccine becomes available. Follow general respiratory etiquette by covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or sneezing into your sleeve and throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, especially after you cough or sneeze. You can use alcohol-based gel hand cleaners when soap and water are not available. We recommend that you avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth because germs spread this way. It’s important to avoid close contact with sick people. Lastly, we encourage you to plan ahead—in case you get sick or have to care for sick family members. Part of your plan should include stocking up on household, health, and emergency supplies, such as water, Tylenol® to reduce a fever, and non-perishable foods.
What should I do if I get sick?
VDH recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine. Stay away from others as much as possible. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed.
If you already got the H1N1 flu – can you get it again?
Once you have a specific strain of influenza, most people develop sufficient protective antibodies that protect them from becoming ill with that particular strain again.
What is the incubation period after exposure?
About 1-4 days. After a week has passed since exposure, it’s not likely you will get sick.
Is the vaccine mandatory?
No. Influenza vaccination, both for H1N1 and for seasonal influenza, is not required by either Virginia or federal law. It is voluntary so there is no need for an exemption.
Some employers, particularly those that employ healthcare workers, may have policies and regulations requiring proof of vaccination as a condition of employment. Check with your employer if you have questions about this.
How safe is the H1N1 vaccine for children?
The development process for the H1N1 vaccine is very similar to that of the seasonal flu vaccine, which has been proven safe for use in children. Studies regarding the safety of the H1N1 vaccine in healthy adults, healthy children, and pregnant women are currently underway and initial indications are that this vaccine is well tolerated.
If I have an egg allergy is it safe to get the vaccine?
No. You should not get H1N1 flu vaccine if you have an allergy to eggs or to any other substance in the vaccine. For more information go to http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vis-flu.pdf.
What kind of information is needed at a public vaccination clinic?
You do not need to bring any paperwork with you. It is important that you know if you have allergies to any medications or if you have experienced an adverse reaction to any prior vaccinations. It is helpful to bring your immunization record with you if you have one so it can be updated.
Will the H1N1 vaccine be free to anyone who would like to get one? If not, what is the general cost?
Providers are allowed to charge for vaccine administration. Many health insurance companies will cover this cost. All H1N1 vaccinations done by the local health departments are free.
How long will the flu vaccine be effective?
While the seasonal flu vaccine is updated annually to be effective against currently circulating flu strains, studies are still underway to determine how long the H1N1 vaccine will be effective.
How effective will the vaccine be?
The seasonal flu vaccine is effective against circulating strains of seasonal flu and prevents illness in about 70%-90% of healthy persons younger than age 65 years. The vaccine is less effective in persons older than 65 years because their immune system tends to be weaker. However, persons older than 65 years of age still benefit from a seasonal flu vaccination as it decreases the likelihood that they will develop a severe or fatal flu infection. Regular updates on these vaccines will be available on the VDH website and at http://www.cdc.gov/flu.
How will the H1N1 influenza vaccine be monitored for safety?
There are two systems in place to report adverse reactions and the safety of the H1N1 vaccine after it is released to the public. These are the Vaccine Adverse Event Report System (VAERS) and the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) Project. Both providers and patients can report an adverse reaction on VAERS. Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) Project. The VSD Project is a vaccine safety system used to both identify and confirm adverse outcomes after immunization. More information about VAERS is available at http://vaers.hhs.gov/.
What are influenza antiviral drugs?
Influenza antiviral drugs are prescription drugs (pills, liquid, or inhaler) that decrease the ability of flu viruses to reproduce. Antiviral drugs are a second line of defense in the prevention and treatment of flu with vaccination considered first line. Antiviral drugs are recommended to treat people who are very sick (or hospitalized) or people who are sick with flu-like symptoms and who are at increased risk of serious flu complications, such as pregnant women, young children and those with chronic health conditions.
How effective are antiviral drugs at preventing the flu?
When used to prevent the flu, antiviral drugs are about 70% to 90% effective against susceptible viruses (i.e., viruses that are not resistant to the antiviral medication). It’s important to remember that flu antiviral drugs are not a substitute for getting a flu vaccination.
Should antiviral medicines be used for prevention in healthy individuals?
No. Antiviral medicines are discouraged for prevention of illness in healthy children or adults based on potential exposure in community, school, camp or other settings. In addition, there are no safety data regarding long term or frequent use of antiviral agents in children, and limited data for healthy adults
Does breastfeeding protect babies from this new flu virus?
No. It is possible that if the breastfeeding mother had previously been infected with H1N1 influenza that some protective antibodies would be shared. However, this has not been proven yet with this disease. If you have influenza-like illness, continue to use general precautions before holding your baby. It is okay to take antiviral medicines while breastfeeding.
If my baby is sick, is it okay to breastfeed?
Yes. One of the best things you can do for your sick baby is keep breastfeeding. Do not stop breastfeeding if your baby is sick. Give your baby many chances to breastfeed throughout the illness.
If my child, who attends a college or university in Virginia, has flu-like symptoms, should he or she come home?
It is recommended that if students and faculty experience flu-like symptoms to isolate themselves in their dorm rooms or homes, and to avoid attending classes or coming to campus, if they live off-campus.
My child is sick with the flu and has to stay home from school. What should I do?
Find out if your employer will allow you to stay at home to care for sick household members or children dismissed from school. Ask if you can work from home. If this is not possible arrange for age-appropriate child care to ensure that your child stays home and does not expose others unnecessarily to their illness. Arrange to monitor your child’s condition in case they develop more severe illness.
What steps can be taken by schools and staff to prevent the spread of flu among students?
Encourage students, parents, staff, and faculty to be vaccinated with both seasonal and H1N1 vaccine. Educate and encourage students and staff to cover their mouth and nose with their sleeve or a tissue when they cough or sneeze. Also, provide them with easy access to tissues and running water and soap or alcohol-based hand cleaners. Send sick students, teachers, and staff home and advise them and their families that sick people should stay at home until at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever or signs of a fever (without the use of fever-reducing medicine). Clean surfaces and items that are more likely to have frequent hand contact such as desks, door knobs, keyboards, or pens, with cleaning agents that are usually used in these areas.
How do I find out if and when they are going to vaccinate children at school?
Right now the best source for details about school vaccination plans is your child’s school. Check our website frequently for updated information about vaccination sites at www.vdh.virginia.gov.
Can schools offer the H1N1 vaccine for free?
Yes. All H1N1 vaccinations given by the local health departments are free. Go to the CDC website for additional guidance. http://www.flu.gov/professional/school/childguidance.html
Why has the government stopped counting every H1N1 flu case?
In late July 2009, we stopped counting every case because as the virus’ presence was documented throughout the state. Now we are monitoring regional disease activity levels to track trends in the outbreak. Reporting disease activity levels is the method CDC uses to report on routine seasonal flu activity. CDC monitors activity levels and virus characteristics across the country through multiple nationwide surveillance systems. Results from these systems are updated weekly and are posted on the CDC website on Fridays at www.cdc.gov/flu.
How long can influenza virus remain viable on objects (such as books and doorknobs)?
Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for 2 to 8 hours after being deposited on the surface.
There have been reports of test kits being available for home use. How effective are these?
There are no valid products that are available for home or individual use. Consumers should be wary of promotions for products that claim to diagnose, prevent, mitigate, treat or cure H1N1 flu. These are fraudulent products and can include test kits, food or dietary supplements, drugs, devices, or vaccines that are not approved by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration). Anyone who has a question regarding medical products or personal protective equipment should contact their health care provider or local health department. Reports of suspected fraud should be reported to the Virginia Fusion Center at 1-877-4VA-TIPS.
Are there residency requirements for a person to receive the H1N1 vaccine?
No. You will not be required to provide documentation of your residency status in order to receive the H1N1 vaccine.