H1N1: The Facts
How is it Transmitted?
People to people contact through coughing and sneezing
May contract by touching something infected and touching it to the mouth or nose
Signs and Symptoms
Fever (100 degrees F or higher) Cough Sore Throat Body Aches Headache Chills Fatigue Runny or Stuffy Nose Some report diarrhea and vomiting
Prevention Frequent hand washing for 15-20 seconds with soap
and water or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol
Cover cough or sneeze with tissue or upper sleeve Avoid close contact with people experiencing
influenza-like symptoms
Prevention Cont’d
Disinfect hard surfaces such as doorknobs, telephones, microwaves, countertops, arm rests, tables, elevator buttons, keyboards and railings.› Clean with a disinfectant or a solution of 1 tablespoon of bleach
to a quart of water› Allow bleach solution to stand for 3-5 minutes before rinsing
with clean water
What to do if Experiencing Symptoms
Avoid others while experiencing symptoms and 24 hours after fever (100 F or higher) subsides without the use of fever reducing agents
Lessen symptoms of the flu with the following:› Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen› OTC cold and flu medications may help lessen
symptoms such as cough and congestion
When to Seek Emergency Care
It is usually not necessary to seek medical care unless any of the following occur:
Difficulty breathing Purple or blue discoloration of lips Vomiting or inability to keep liquids down Signs of dehydration such as absence of urination
or dizziness upon standing Seizures
What to do if a Family Member Becomes Ill
You are able to go to work while symptom free, but monitor self closely for signs and symptoms!
Encourage family member to stay away from common areas in the home
Encourage family member to wash hands and cover mouth while coughing or sneezing
Encourage family member to stay away from people who are at high risk or experiencing chronic illness
Vaccine Update
The FDA approved the H1N1 vaccine
The vaccine will be administered as a single vaccination
It is expected that the vaccine will be on the market in mid October
Because it is an inactivated (killed) virus, risk of contracting H1N1 is non-existent
Who should take priority in vaccinations?
Pregnant Women People who care for children under 6 months of age Health care professionals with direct patient contact Children 6 mo to 4 years Children 5 - 18 yrs with chronic
medical conditions
What to Tell Clients
Encourage hand hygiene Cover mouth when coughing or sneezing Update clients on H1N1 signs &
symptoms and what to do if present If clients are experiencing symptoms
encourage them to reschedule Dispel myths Keep clients updated on vaccine information