H1N1 Flu Information
Seasonal Flu and H1N1 (Swine) Flu Update
Castro Valley Unified School District is closely monitoring the updates related to the H1N1 flu. We have procedures and protocols in place and are working with the Alameda County Department of Public Health (ACDPH) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to carry out the guidelines that they have established. Check this website for H1N1 updates.
Symptoms
Symptoms of the flu include fever (usually high), headache, extreme
tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle
aches. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea also can occur, but these
symptoms are much more common in children than adults.
Spread of the Flu
Flu viruses are thought to be spread mainly from person-to-person
through coughing or sneezing people with influenza. Sometimes people
become infected by touching something with the flu virus on it and then
touching their mouth or nose. People with influenza can potentially
infect others beginning one (1) day before symptoms develop and up to
five (5) days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to
pass on the flu to someone before you know you are sick, as well as
while you are sick. People should stay home until they are free from
fever for a 24 hour period without the aid of fever medicine.
Always remind children to:
- Cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when the cough or sneeze.
Have them throw away the tissue after they use it. If a tissue is not
available, sneeze or cough into their sleeve or arm.
- Wash their hands often with soap and water, especially after they
cough or sneeze. If water is not available, use an alcohol-based hand
cleaner.
- Not touch their eyes, nose, or mouth as germs spread this
way.
Please be assured that we continue to take precautionary measures and
monitor student absences. Our schools use the best recommended
sanitation practices in cleaning our facilities for infection control
as specified by the Alameda County Public Health Department.
What is H1N1 flu?
H1N1 flu is a respiratory disease normally found in pigs and caused by
type A influenza viruses. While outbreaks of this type of flu are most
common in pigs, human cases of H1N1 flu do happen. In the past, reports
of human H1N1 flu have been rare—approximately one infection every one
to two years in the United States. From December 2005 through February
2009, only 12 cases of human infection were documented.
How is it spread?
Humans with direct exposure to pigs are those most commonly infected
with swine flu. Human-to-human spread of H1N1 flu viruses have been
documented; however, it's not known how easily the spread occurs. Just
as the common flu is passed along, H1N1 flu is thought to be spread by
coughing, sneezing, or touching something that has the live virus on
it.
If infected, a person may be able to infect another person one day
before symptoms develop; therefore, a person is able to pass the flu on
before they know they are sick. Infected individuals may spread the
virus for seven or more days after becoming sick. Those with H1N1 flu
should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are showing
symptoms, and up to seven days or longer from the onset of their
illness. Children might be contagious for longer periods of
time.
Can I catch H1N1 flu from eating pork?
No. The CDC says that H1N1 flu viruses are not transmitted by food.
Properly cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160°F kills all
bacteria and viruses.
What are the symptoms of H1N1 flu?
Symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to those of a regular flu: fever and
chills, sore throat, cough, headache, body aches, and fatigue. Diarrhea
and vomiting can also be present. Without a specific lab test, it is
impossible to know whether you may be suffering from H1N1 flu or
another flu strain, or a different disease entirely.
What precautionary measures should I take?
The same everyday precautions that you take to prevent other contagious
viruses should be used to protect yourself against H1N1 flu. The best
current advice is for individuals to practice good hand hygiene.
Periodic hand washing with soap and water, or the use of an
alcohol-based hand sanitizer when hand washing is not possible, is a
good preventive measure. Also, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth,
as germs can more easily gain entrance into your body through those
areas. Covering your mouth with a disposable tissue when you cough and
sneeze is also a good practice.
The CDC recommends avoiding contact with sick people and keeping your
own good health in check with adequate sleep, exercise, and a
nutritious diet.
What should you do if you think you are sick with H1N1
flu?
Contact your health care professional, inform them of your symptoms,
and ask whether you should be tested for H1N1 flu. Be prepared to give
details on how long you've been feeling ill and about any recent
travels. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza
testing or treatment is needed. If you feel sick, but are not sure what
illness you may have, stay home until you have been diagnosed properly
to avoid spreading any infection.
Watch for these symptoms in children. Seek emergency medical care if
your child experiences any of the following warning signs:
- Fever with a rash
- Dehydration
- Fast breathing
- Bluish skin coloration
- Slow to wake or sluggish interaction
- Flu-like symptoms improve, but then return and cough worsens
- Severe irritability
For adults, emergency medical care is needed if you experience these warning signs:
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Pain or pressure in the chest or stomach
Remember that the symptoms for H1N1 flu are almost identical to those you might experience with the regular flu. Only your doctor can give you the correct diagnosis.
Are there medicines effective in treating H1N1 flu in
humans?
The current strain of the H1N1 flu appears to respond to the use of
oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) for those infected. For
treatment, these antiviral drugs work best if started soon after
getting sick (within two days of the appearance of symptoms).
More information
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/)
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