ABOUT H1N1
H1N1 is a new pandemic strain of influenza that is spreading around the world in 2009. It is spread from human to human by respiratory droplets, and humankind has no immunity to this virus. In most cases, it causes typical influenza symptoms. It appears to affect primarily children and young adults, a small percentage of whom have developed severe symptoms.
QUESTIONS ABOUT H1N1
- What are the symptoms? [
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The symptoms are typically defined as: the onset of a new cough or a change in existing cough PLUS one or more of the following:
- Fever
- Sore Throat
- Joint Pain
- Muscle Aches
- Exhaustion
- What should I do if I have Influenza-like illness (ILI)? [
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Avoid contact with others as much as possible. Stay home from work or school for seven days after the onset of illness, or until at least 24 hours after symptoms have disappeared, whichever is longer. NorQuest has put strategies in place to help mitigate the impact of this absenteeism on individuals and the institution.
- Is H1N1 Influenza virus fatal? [
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There have been several fatalities attributed to H1N1 worldwide, however, the disease is usually mild in healthy adults.
TRANSMISSION OF THE VIRUS
- Is the H1N1 influenza virus contagious? [
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The H1N1 virus is contagious and is spread from human to human.
- How is influenza spread? [
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People who have Influenza usually cough, sneeze and have a runny nose, creating droplets in the air which contain the virus. Other people can get Influenza by breathing in these droplets or getting them in their nose or mouth or from hand to hand transmission.
Flu droplets do not persist in the air but settle quickly to a surface, thus it is also possible to contract Influenza by touching contaminated surfaces.
- How long can an infected person spread the virus to others? [
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People with Influenza should be considered potentially contagious as long as they have symptoms; possibly for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might be contagious for longer periods.
- What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination? [
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Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough/sneeze of an infected person move through the air and settle on surfaces. When a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk, doorknob, or keyboard and then touches their own eyes, mouth, or nose before washing their hands, they can contract the virus.
- How long can the Influenza virus remain viable on objects (such as telephones, books, tables, keyboards and doorknobs)? [
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Studies show Influenza can survive on environmental surfaces and infect a person for up to 48 hours after being deposited on the surface. Hand washing or hand sanitizing is the best strategy for prevention. Individuals should try to avoid touching high traffic surfaces or should wipe surfaces such as key boards, ATMs, phones, tables, etc. prior to touching. Having a hand sanitizer, a spray bottle with cleaner at your work station or carrying disposable wipes are good ideas.
- Is it possible to catch Influenza from someone without flu symptoms? [
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We don’t know for sure. We do know that people are most contagious for up to one day before they get sick and for five days while symptomatic.
Last updated:
November 9, 2009
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