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The following information on 2009 H1N1 (Swine Flu) is a excerpt from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC).More information can be found from the CDC and other public health organizations at the links provided in the text below.
What is 2009 H1N1 (Swine Flu)?
2009 H1N1 (referred to as swine flu early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a pandemic of 2009 H1N1 flu was underway.
How does 2009 H1N1 virus spread?
Spread of 2009 H1N1 virus is thought to occur in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something such as a surface or object with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in people?
The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu, including 2009 H1N1 and have respiratory symptoms without a fever. Severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.
How long can an infected person spread this virus to others?
People infected with seasonal and 2009 H1N1 flu shed virus and may be able to infect others from 1 day before getting sick to 5 to 7 days after. This can be longer in some people, especially children and people with weakened immune systems and in people infected with the new H1N1 virus.
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
This season, there is a seasonal flu vaccine to protect against seasonal flu viruses and a 2009 H1N1 vaccine to protect against the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus (sometimes called swine flu). A flu vaccine is the first and most important step in protecting against flu infection. For information about the 2009 H1N1 vaccines, visit H1N1 Flu Vaccination Resources. For information about seasonal influenza vaccines, visit Preventing Seasonal Flu With Vaccination.
What everyday steps can I take to protect myself and my family from the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza?
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Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
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Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
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Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
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If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC 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.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.
Does Mr. Clean have any products that kill the H1N1 virus?
Mr. Clean Multi-Surfaces Antibacterial Spray and Mr. Clean Antibacterial Spray with Febreze Freshness kill the Influenza A2 virus. The EPA has recognized that products that are effective against Influenza A2, which is also known as the seasonal flu virus, are effective in killing the Pandemic 2009 H1N1 Influenza A virus.
Where can I get more information on 2009 H1N1?
For more information, please refer to included information and guideline documents generated by the
The official U.S. government web site for information on pandemic, seasonal, and 2009-H1N1 influenza:
www.pandemicflu.gov
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