H1N1, a new influenza virus sometimes known as the swine flu, was first detected in the United States in April 2009. In June 2009, the World Health Organization declared that a global pandemic of H1N1 was under way, after more than 70 countries reported cases of the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that the virus is spread from person to person in much the same way the seasonal flu virus is spread—through droplets from coughing or sneezing by someone who is infected. Most people who have become ill with H1N1 have recovered without requiring medical treatment, although some people have been hospitalized or died from the virus.
Although H1N1 cases in the United States have diminished, experts agree that they will increase just in time for the regular influenza season this fall. H1N1 will be the predominant flu strain, but other seasonal flu varieties will be in circulation as well. The CDC is predicting that as many as 50 percent of Americans will be infected with H1N1 and as many as 1.8 million persons may need hospitalization.
An H1N1 vaccine is currently in production and may be ready by mid-October, according to the CDC. It is expected to be administered in two doses, three weeks apart. The CDC says priority for the vaccination will be given to pregnant women, and people with chronic medical conditions, and healthcare and emergency medical services personnel. Members are advised to consider getting both the seasonal flu vaccination and the H1N1 vaccination.
Symptoms of H1N1 are similar to the seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. If you are sick, the CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, except to get medical attention.
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