UPDATED 10/09/09

Important Updates About H1N1 (Swine) Flu Can be Found As Follows:

• World Health Organization H1N1 Flu Notification: Click Here.
• California Department of Health H1N1 Flu Facts: Click Here.
• Los Angeles County Department of Public Health: Click Here.
• CDC H1N1 Flu Investigation Reports: Click Here.
• It's not the pig's fault! Time Magazine: Click Here.
• Latest information from Flu.gov: Click Here.

For H1NI Flu Information in Spanish, Click Here.

MySafe:LA Update on H1N1 Flu

There is significant ongoing and growing concern related to H1N1 flu. According to an article published in the Los Angeles Times, the rapid evolution of H1N1 can be measured by the increase in flu numbers: 5% of all clinic visits are flu-related, as opposed to the more typical 2%. And of those with the flu, 95% of those are being diagnosed with H1N1.

To help you better understand how swine flu can affect you and your family, the CDC has organized some important information regarding this disease. We have edited and reviewed this information and present it here for your consideration.

If you have any ongoing concerns about the flu, flu symptoms, or if you feel ill, please contact your physician or your local urgent care clinic immediately. If you suspect you may have contracted the flu, do not go to work or attend classes at school. Stay away from other people and contact the appropriate medical care provider. Take appropriate steps to protect yourself, your children, and your neighbors. Because the H1N1 flu is a fairly new strain relative to transmission person-to-person, the CDC and other health organizations are extremely concerned.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that H1N1 vaccination efforts focus on the following five key populations:

• Pregnant women,
• People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age,
• Health care and emergency services personnel,
• Persons between the ages of 6 months through 24 years of age, and
• People from ages 25 through 64 years who are at higher risk for pandemic H1N1 flu infection because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.

Learn about H1N1 Flu and You:

Do you think you have H1N1 flu?

If you are concerned that you may have H1N1 flu, you may take this online self-assessment test. Don't delay. And, if you continue to be concerned, please call your doctor immediately. Do not go to work or to school. Stay away from others, and if possible, when around other people, wear a mask over your mouth and nose. Wash your hands often. And most importantly, relax and rest.

What is H1N1 (swine) flu?

H1N1 Influenza is a respiratory disease caused by type A influenza viruses that cause regular outbreaks in pigs. However, pigs do not create the transmission of flu to humans. The appropriate term to use when referring to this type of flu is H1N1.

Are there human infections with H1N1 flu in the U.S.?

An updated case count of confirmed H1N1 flu infections in the United States is kept at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm CDC and local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation.

Is this H1N1 flu virus contagious?

CDC has determined that the H1N1 virus is highly contagious and is spreading rapidly from human to human.

What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1 flu in people?

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with H1N1 flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with H1N1 flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions. NOTE: Most fatalities related to H1N1 flu have involved underlying chronic existing medical conditions. That does not lessen the risk to healthy children and adults.

How does H1N1 flu spread?

Spread of the H1N1 virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

Can I get H1N1 influenza from eating or preparing pork?

No. H1N1 influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get H1N1 influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.

How can someone with the flu infect someone else?

Infected people may be able to infect others beginning one (1) day before symptoms develop and up to seven (7) or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

What should I do to keep from getting the flu?

First and most important: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Secondly, get vaccinated. For information on the various vaccination options available, click here.

Are there medicines to treat H1N1 flu?

Yes. However the best strategy for most people is to get vaccinated. A new nasal spray, called FluMist, has arrived in Los Angeles. You can find out where you can get vaccinated easily: Click Here.

Also, if you don't get vaccinated, CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these H1N1 influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within two days of symptoms).

For Additional Information on pandemic flu issues, please visit the pandemic flu website.

Swine Flu Updates: Click Here.