How to prevention the h1n1 virus

This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. But further study has shown that the H1N1 is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs. It has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia and bird avian genes and human genes. Scientists call this a "quadruple reassortant" virus. In fact, the H1N1 virus is the predominant influenza virus in circulation so far during the flu season.

The United States experienced its first wave of H1N1 activity in the spring of , followed by a second wave in the fall, with the number of people infected peaking at the end of October.

There are still uncertainties surrounding the rest of this flu season, including the possibility that seasonal influenza viruses will spread during the winter as they usually do while H1N1 viruses continue to cause illness. In the past, when new viruses have emerged to cause flu pandemics, the new virus has continued to spread among people.

More information about the selection of the viruses for the Northern Hemisphere flu vaccine is available. CDC routinely works with states to collect, compile and analyze information about influenza, and has done the same for the H1N1 virus since the beginning of the outbreak.

This information is presented in a weekly report, called FluView. Spread of the 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, sneezing or talking 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.

Getting infected with any influenza virus, including H1N1, should cause your body to develop immune resistance to that virus so it's not likely that a person would be infected with the identical influenza virus more than once.

However, people with weakened immune systems might not develop full immunity after infection and might be more likely to get infected with the same influenza virus more than once.

However, it's also possible that a person could have a positive test result for flu infection more than once in an influenza season.

This can occur for two reasons:. Joe Bresee describes how to keep from getting the flu, and spreading it to others. The symptoms of 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 H1N1 and have respiratory symptoms without a fever.

Severe illnesses and deaths have occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus. Illness with 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. This includes people 65 years and older, children younger than five years old, pregnant women, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions.

This includes pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease, asthma and kidney disease. Young children are also at high risk of serious complications from H1N1, just as they are from seasonal flu.

CDC laboratory studies have shown that no children and very few adults younger than 60 years old have existing antibody to the H1N1 flu virus; however, about one-third of adults older than 60 may have antibodies against this virus.

It is unknown how much, if any, protection may be afforded against H1N1 flu by any existing antibody. Most people who get the flu either seasonal or H1N1 will have mild illness, will not need medical care or antiviral drugs, and will recover in less than two weeks. Some people, however, are more likely to get flu complications that result in being hospitalized and occasionally result in death.

Additional recommendations for use of facemasks by people who have ILI that may be due to H1N1 infection are included in Table 2. There are important differences between facemasks and respirators. Most respirators e. For both facemasks and respirators, however, limited data is available on their effectiveness in preventing transmission of H1N1 or seasonal influenza in various settings. However, the use of a facemask or respirator is likely to be of most benefit if used as early as possible when exposed to an ill person and when the facemask or respirator is used consistently.

MacIntyre CR, et al. EID ; Cowling BJ, et al. Non-pharmaceutical interventions to prevent household transmission of influenza.

This includes facemasks labeled as surgical, dental, medical procedure, isolation, or laser masks. Such facemasks have several designs. Another type of facemask is pre-molded, adheres to the head with a single elastic band, and has a flexible adjustment for the nose bridge.

Facemasks cleared by the FDA for use as medical devices have been determined to have specific levels of protection from penetration of blood and body fluids. Facemasks help stop droplets from being spread by the person wearing them.

They also keep splashes or sprays from reaching the mouth and nose of the person wearing the facemask. They are not designed to protect against breathing in very small particle aerosols that may contain viruses. Facemasks should be used once and then thrown away in the trash.

A respirator is designed to protect the person wearing the respirator against breathing in very small particle aerosols that may contain viruses.

A respirator that fits snugly on the face can filter out virus-containing small particle aerosols that can be generated by an infected person, but compared with a facemask it is harder to breathe through a respirator for long periods of time. Respirators are not recommended for children or people who have facial hair. Where respirators are used in a non-occupational setting, fit testing, medical evaluation and training are recommended for optimal effectiveness. This includes fit testing, medical evaluation and training of the worker.

When required in the occupational setting, tight-fitting respirators cannot be used by people with facial hair that interferes with the face seal. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Key facts about human infections with variant viruses.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed Jan. Dolin R. Epidemiology of influenza. Grohskopf LA, et al. Prevention and control of seasonal influenza with vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices — United States, influenza season. Cohen J, et al. Influenza viruses. In: Infectious Diseases. Philadelphia, Pa. Accessed Nov. Flu: What to do if you get sick. Types of influenza viruses. Tosh PK expert opinion. Mayo Clinic. However, there are a number of symptoms of having a fever.

Some of which may include the following: [15] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source Sweating. Muscle aches. Loss of appetite. General weakness. Listen for a cough. A cough happens when something is irritating your throat or airway.

Be wary if your cough persists or you cough up discolored or bloody mucus. This means you should not be coughing up mucus or blood. If you do cough or sneeze, it is important that you limit the spread of germs. Cough or sneeze into the inside of your elbow to limit the spread of germs. You may experience shortness of breath due to your cough.

Note that you will not experience a sore throat. While a sore throat is the most common symptom of a viral infection, patients with H1N1 generally do not report a sore throat. Recognize aches and pains. Pain or stiffness may be a symptom of H1N1 and is the most common symptom of H1N1. These pains may also be a sign of a fever.

You might feel fatigue or aches in both your head and body. Feel for stomach distress. While common symptoms of illness on their own, nausea and diarrhea can be a sign of the flu.

This is known as viral gastroenteritis and is your body's way of trying to rid itself of irritants. If you have diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting, you may have the flu. Method 4. Treat your fever. To treat a fever, put a cool, damp washcloth on your forehead. Wash your body with cool water; this will help lower your body temperature and make you feel better.

You can also take mg of acetaminophen every six to eight hours not to exceed mg in 24 hours or — mg of ibuprofen not to exceed mg in 24 hours. If your kidneys or liver are compromised, speak with your doctor before taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Stay home from work or school. Since H1N1 is spread through microorganisms, you should avoid contact with other people for at least twenty-four hours after you start to notice symptoms.

Cancel plans and stay home while you recover. Try and stay as isolated as possible in your home to avoid getting other members of your household ill. Your body is trying to fight off this illness. Strenuous activity can make you feel worse and prohibit healing. Rest as much as possible if you think you are getting the flu or even already show symptoms. Recognize worsening symptoms. Generally, you do not want to go to the emergency room if you have H1N1.