H1N1 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Is the H1N1 flu more dangerous than the regular/seasonal flu?

§ No, not unless you are in a "high risk" category for other diseases. However, symptoms and effectiveness of treatments do not vary significantly from past strains of the seasonal flu.

§ A significant difference with the H1N1 flu is that, to date, the number of reported cases per 100,000 population was highest among people in the 5-year to 24-year age group.

2. Am I at high risk to get the flu?

§ Children younger than 5 years of age, pregnant women, people of any age with chronic medical conditions (such as pulmonary disease, asthma, diabetes, neuromuscular disorders, or heart disease), and people 65 years of age and older are more likely to get complications from the flu. Your health care provider may prescribe antiviral drugs, and they are most effective when started within two (2) days of getting sick.

3. How do I know if I may have the flu?

§ Symptoms of the flu include fever or chills AND cough or sore throat. In addition, symptoms of flu can include running nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting.

§ Do not come to work if you are sick with fever AND cough or sore throat

4. How do I avoid getting the flu?

Simple practices such as:

§ Covering your cough with your upper sleeve or tissue instead of your hands

§ Washing your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds (which is singing Happy Birthday twice).

§ Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

§ Use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.

§ Wipe down your work unit's workstations, phones, desks and common work areas with sanitary wipes every day.

§ Get vaccinated for the seasonal flu.

5. How can I get an H1N1 flu shot?

§ The H1N1 vaccination is currently being developed and tested and priority distribution will be given to select hospital and medical personnel, public safety first responders, and the most vulnerable public populations. The H1N1 vaccine is not expected to be available in sufficient quantities to inoculate the general public for the near future.

6. How do I know if I should stay home from work?

§ The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that sick employees stay home if they are sick with flu-like illness until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medicines (and medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen).

7. How long should I stay home if I think I have the flu?

§ People with flu-like illness should stay home until at least 24 hours after they are free from fever or symptoms. In some cases, this could be up to 7 days.

Information is from the City of Chandler: www.chandleraz.gov