H1N1 - 12/8/09

Diagnosis with H1N1 is based on three symptoms: sore throat, temp of 100 or more (however, not all patients have a fever), and cough, and/or a positive Influenza Type A test. A second test for H1N1 may be done and it takes a week before results are available. You will receive treatment prior to those results.

If you are treated for H1N1, please stay away from other family members as much as possible.

Cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw away the tissue in a garbage container that is close by.

Symptoms of Influenza and Viral Shedding

  • Symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
  • In 10-50% there is no fever.
  • Incubation period for influenza is estimated to range from 1-4 days with an average of 2 days. The virus shedding (the time during which a person might be infectious to another person) begins the day before illness onset and can persist for 5-7 days although some persons may shed virus for longer periods, particularly young children and severely immunocompromised persons. The amount of virus shed is greatest in the first 2-3 days of illness and appears to correlate with fever, with higher amounts of virus shed.

Modes of 2009 H1N1 Influenza Transmission

The virus appears to be transmitted from person to person through close contact in ways similar to other influenza viruses. Influenza virus can potentially be transmitted through:

  • Droplet exposure of mucosal surfaces (nose, mouth, and eyes) by respiratory secretions from coughing or sneezing;
  • Contact, usually of hands, with an infectious patient or fomite (a surface that is contaminated with secretions) followed by self-inoculation of virus onto mucosal surfaces such as those of the nose, mouth and eyes.
  • The H1N1 virus can live on inanimate objects for 2-8 hours. You may wipe down with an alcohol wipe to kill the virus.
  • Please wash hands with alcohol type cleaner (Purel or Germ X), wipe hands until dry or use regular soap (not antibacterial) washing hands until done singing the Alphabet song or Happy Birthday song.

How Long Should I Stay Home?

CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone. Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine, such as Tylenol. You should stay home from work, school, travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings.

PLEASE CONTACT cdc.gov FOR MORE INFORMATION. If you are not getting better, please contact your health care provider.