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H1N1 Flu Resources
Information | Resource Links
H1N1 & Other Flu Information
 There are several varieties of influenza, or flu, a contagious respiratory disease caused by viruses. Most people who get flu recover in a week or two, however some develop life-threatening complications (such as pneumonia). In the United States, seasonal flu complications put more than 200,000 people in the hospital and about 36,000 people die from flu-related causes every year. Here in North Carolina, 1,000 to 2,000 people die annually of seasonal influenza and pneumonia.
Currently, North Carolina has both seasonal flu and H1N1 flu cases. Although first detected in April 2009, Novel influenza A (H1N1) almost seems like old news. You hear about it a lot and you may feel the level of attention it's getting is overblown. It seems to be everywhere and, in fact, it is. In June 2009, the World Health Organization declared H1N1 a pandemic. H1N1 can pose a danger for a person with an underlying medical condition—such as asthma or diabetes—or if pregnant. So far, contagion is most common among children and young adults (six-months to 24-years-old).
While health care workers, emergency responders and people caring for infants should be on guard, preparation for the flu is underway. Scientists at the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control, and the Food and Drug Administration are working on an H1N1 vaccine and expect to have it ready to distribute by the middle of this month.
The Centers for Disease Control estimates that hand contact spreads up to 80% of all infections, including flu. You can do several things to prevent infections (see below). Should you still get sick with flu, see your health care professional and take prescribed antiviral medicines.
H1N1 symptoms are similar to seasonal flu, including:
- Fever
- Body aches
- Chills
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Vomiting
Protect yourself, your family and your community:
- Frequently wash hands with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- Cover nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Throw the tissue in the trash after use.
- If no tissues are available, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve—not your hands.
- If you get sick with flu, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others.
- If you haven't yet done so, get the recommended seasonal flu vaccine
- Get the recommended H1N1 vaccine when available
If you work, start planning for arrangements for childcare in case your child gets sick or talk with your employer about what to do in case you need to be at home with a sick family member. If you are an employer, now is the time to plan to meet your objectives with a reduced staff. You do not want an employee who is ill to spread flu in the workplace.
Be sure to watch UNC-TV's weeknightly public affairs show North Carolina Now for the latest updates and reports on H1N1 and seasonal flu news. Visit www.flu.gov for more information to prepare for, prevent and respond to an outbreak. You'll also find checklists and fact sheets you can use to ensure that you're prepared.
H1N1 Flu Resources
North Carolina
N.C. Flu Preparedness
2009 H1N1 vaccination has begun. Initial shipments have been small, but vaccine is being shipped every week to healthcare providers and clinics. This Web site provides the latest local updates on who has H1N1 and/or seasonal flu vaccine in your area.
North Carolina Division of Public Health
As a sponsor of the N.C. Flu Update, this site contains a wide range of North Carolina Public Health programs and services on both the state and local levels work together to protect and improve the health of the people who live and work in North Carolina.
Pandemic Flu Resources for Schools
The NC Healthy Schools initiative provides a pandemic influenza plan template, informational sheets in English and Spanish, letter templates in English and Spanish, checklists and more for local school leaders.
H1N1 Flu: Guidance for Professionals
Updated and expanded frequently, this Web site contains communicable diseases information from the N.C. Division of Public Health, including H1N1 resource links, the latest vaccination issues, and patient/client handouts.
National
New at FluPortal: NPR Flu Map, Web Tools, Facebook Guide
As winter approaches, the H1N1 flu virus still has a strong presence across the United States. FluPortal is here to help public media cover the pandemic's many angles. We have more resources than ever for newsrooms and web departments. Please visit FluPortal.org regularly, and subscribe to our blog for updates on the latest site features, coverage, and ideas from across the system.
 2009 H1N1 FLU: Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Situation Update: Each week the CDC analyzes information about influenza disease activity in the United States and publishes findings of key flu indicators in a report called FluView. During the week of September 20-26, 2009, a review of the key indicators found that influenza activity remained elevated in the United States. See Key Flu Indicators >>
 NPR: What You Need To Know About Swine Flu Vaccine
After two months of testing, the swine flu vaccine is now available. NPR's Richard Knox answers listener questions.
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