Influenza - H1N1
H1N1 (previously referred to as “swine flu”) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. On June 11, 2009, The World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a pandemic of 2009 H1N1 flu was underway.
H1N1 can cause a wide range of symptoms, such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. People with H1N1 may also have vomiting and diarrhea. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 may vary in severity from mild to severe. Pregnant women, children and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions might be at greater risk for developing a severe illness from H1N1 infection.
Everyone can play a role in minimizing the spread of this infectious disease by:
- Washing your hands
- Covering your cough
- Staying home if you are sick
The CDC has current information about H1N1:
www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
Frequently Asked Questions about H1N1 Influenza:
www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm
Statistics and Confirmed H1N1 Cases in Connecticut:
http://www.ct.gov/ctfluwatch ...
Understanding the Challenge
The Yale New Haven Center for Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response (YNH-CEPDR) can assist your organization with pandemic influenza planning. This includes capability assessments, plan development, training and education and drill and exercises.
