Just the Facts
With files from the Public Health Agency of Canada. For more information please refer to the agency’s website at www.phac-aspc.gc.ca
The H1N1 flu virus is a new strain of pandemic influenza that first emerged in April 2009. H1N1 is different than the seasonal flu because people have no natural immunity to protect against this virus.
Surveillance of the spread of the H1N1 virus shows that it is affecting more young and healthy people than the regular seasonal flu, which normally affects seniors and young children. People with underlying medical conditions and pregnant women may be at a greater risk for severe illness.
- What is H1N1?
- How is the virus spread?
- How contagious is it?
- What are the symptoms?
- How can I prevent the spread?
The H1N1 flu virus – also known as human swine influenza – is a respiratory illness that affects the nose, throat and lungs. This virus usually affects pigs, but this strain of the virus has made the jump to humans and is now spreading in the population.
To date, the H1N1 flu virus has caused primarily mild illness in Canada, however Canadians need to be prepared to respond to a potentially more severe form of the virus that may emerge this fall.
The H1N1 flu virus is contagious and is spread the same way as regular seasonal influenza. Transmission may occur when an infected person coughs or sneezes and their germs enter the nose, eyes, or throat of another person. The germs can also rest on hard surfaces like counters and doorknobs, and can be picked up on hands and transmitted to the respiratory system when someone touches their mouth and/or nose. It is not possible to catch it by eating pork or pork products or through blood transfusions.
More research is being done on how long a person can be infectious (be able to spread the virus to others), but it is believed that this period is for one day before the onset of symptoms and continues for approximately seven days after symptoms have started.The time it takes between being infected and experiencing symptoms is between two and seven days.
Almost always:
- Cough and fever
Common:
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Decreased appetite
- Runny nose
Sometimes:
- Nausea
- Vomitting
- Diarrhea
How can I prevent the spread of the virus?
- Wash hands often.
- Clean common surfaces regularly.
- Cough and sneeze into your arm, instead of your hand.
- If you get flu-like symptoms and are pregnant, have underlying health problems or if your symptoms get worse, contact your health care provider.