Estill County EMA/CSEPP

This article is meant to be a useful resource to Estill County residents who may be looking for information about the H1N1 flu breakout that is affecting people around the world.

H1N1 flu is, simply put, a new strain of the influenza virus.  The following information about the H1N1 flu has been taken from a frequently asked questions (FAQ) circulated by the Estill County Health Department:

What is H1N1 flu and who is at risk?

There are many types of influenza or "flu".

• The type that currently has health officials worried is swine influenza A (H1N1).
• This disease affects mostly pigs.
• H1N1 flu is contagious and is spreading from human to human.  It is not yet known how easily the virus spreads.

Who is at high risk for swine flu?

• Persons with recent travel to Mexico.
• Persons with recent travel to states where swine flu has been confirmed.
• Persons who have been exposed to someone with confirmed swine flu.

When did H1N1 Flu become a problem for humans?

• The first cases of this outbreak in the U.S. occurred in late March and early April 2009.
• The H1N1 flu is thought to spread in the same way the seasonal flu spreads.  Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with the virus.  It is unknown how easily it spreads.

What are signs and symptoms of H1N1 flu?

What can people do to prevent the H1N1 flu?

The same steps you take to prevent the common cold apply when trying to prevent H1N1 flu.  The following are some general steps a family can take:

• Wash hands often with soap and water or use waterless, alcohol based hand rubs.
• Cover the nose and mouth with a handkerchief or tissue when sneezing or goughing.
• Avoid touching the eyes, mouth, and nose when coughing coughing or sneezing.
• Keep children home from school, day care, or other social gatherings if they are sick.
• Stay home from work or other public settings if you are sick.
• Avoid crowded places where people are confined in an indoor space.

If people might have been exposed to H1N1 flu, what should they do?

People who have been exposed to H1N1 flu should do the following:

• If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.
• If you have a fever, difficulty breating, a cough, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, you should talk with a health care provider by telephone.
• Your health care provider will determine whether testing or treatment is needed.
• Before visiting a health care setting, tell the provider about your symptoms and that you may have been exposed to swine flu.
• Do not travel while sick, and limit your contact with others as much as possible to help prevent the spread of the illness.

When should I seek proffessional treatment?

If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen.
• Sudden dizziness.
• Confusion.
• Severe or persistent vomiting.