2009 H1N1 flu is a new virus, so people may have little or no immunity against it. This means it may spread more easily from person to person.

H1N1 vs Seasonal flu, a side by side comparison (PDF)
H1N1 vs Seasonal flu, a side by side comparison - Spanish version (PDF)

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• How serious is it, and who is at risk?
• What are the symptoms?
• What should I do if I get sick?
• I don’t have any of the risk factors described above. If I’m sick, when should I call the doctor?
• Is there a vaccine, and who should get it?
• More Resources

How serious is it, and who is at risk?

As of September 3, 2009, the CDC reported that about 9,000 people have been hospitalized for H1N1 flu and about 600 people have died.

Highest risk:

• Pregnant women
• Caregivers of children under 6 months
• Health care workers
• Children and young adults
• 6 months – 24 years
• Adults 25 – 64 years with chronic health conditions

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What are the symptoms?

Adults
Adults symptoms may include:

• Temperature of 100°F or above
• Cough
• Body aches, chills
• Headache
• Sore throat, runny or stuffy nose
• Tiredness (fatigue)
• Diarrhea and vomiting

Children
Little is known about how H1N1 may affect children. The symptoms may be similar to other flu infections.

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What should I do if I get sick?

• If the illness is severe, or if you have one of the following risk factors (you are pregnant, a new mom, or have a health condition such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma or emphysema) contact your doctor or seek medical care.
• Stay home and get plenty of rest.
• Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce fever. Do not give children aspirin.
• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
• Keep separate from other members of the household.

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I don’t have any of the risk factors described above. If I’m sick, when should I call the doctor?

Adults
Adults call the doctor if you have:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness or confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Children
Call the doctor if your child has:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish or gray skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

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Is there a vaccine, and who should get it?

The H1N1 vaccine is expected to be available in early fall. Currently, the CDC recommends that health care workers, pregnant women, caregivers of children under 6 months, people 6 months – 24 years, and adults 25 – 64 years with chronic health conditions be vaccinated first.
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More Resources

For more information on the H1N1 flu please visit:

Flu.gov | www.flu.gov
CDC: H1N1 flu information | www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu
CDC: Seasonal flu information | www.cdc.gov/flu


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