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Questions and Answers about the H1N1 (Swine Flu) Virus
05/01/2009
What is swine flu?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, H1N1 (swine flu) virus is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that cause regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections, varying from mild to severe, can and do happen.
Is the H1N1 virus contagious?
The CDC has determined that the H1N1 virus is contagious and spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people.
What are the symptoms of the H1N1 virus?
The symptoms of this illness, typical of seasonal flu, include:
- Fever, chills
- Sore throat, stuffy nose and cough
- Headache, body aches and fatigue
- Diarrhea and vomiting seem common with this strain
Like seasonal flu, the H1N1 virus may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
What do I do if my child has symptoms?
If you suspect your child may have influenza, please contact your pediatrician or primary care provider. If you have additional questions about the swine flu, you can also call the Indiana State Department of Health hotline at 877-826-0011, Monday - Friday, 8am - 4:45pm.
Will my child’s prior flu vaccination prevent him/her from getting the swine flu?
It appears that the vaccine given to many in the U.S. last winter season will provide limited, if any, protection against this version of the swine flu.
How can I protect my child?
Right now, there is no vaccine available to protect against the H1N1 virus but simple, everyday actions can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza:
- If you think your child is ill with the flu, have him or her stay at home and avoid close contact with others, as much as possible.
- Seek medical care if your child is severely ill (such as having trouble breathing).
- Advise your child to cover the mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when he/she sneezes or coughs. Then immediately, throw the tissue in a trash can.
- After your child coughs or sneezes, be sure he/she washes his/her hands with soap and water, or uses an alcohol-based hand gel.
Can my child get the H1N1 virus from eating pork?
No. The H1N1 virus is not spread by food. You cannot get the H1N1 virus from eating pork or pork products.
Is it safe to travel to Mexico?
It is advised to postpone all non-essential travel to Mexico until the epidemiology of this outbreak is better defined.
About Riley Hospital for Children As one of the nation's leading pediatric hospitals and Indiana's first and only comprehensive hospital dedicated exclusively to the care of children, Riley Hospital for Children, a part of Clarian Health, has provided compassionate care, support and comfort to children and their families for 85 years. Each year, Riley Hospital and Riley Hospital at Clarian North serve over 215,000 inpatients and outpatients from across Indiana, the nation and the world. Riley Hospital's partnership with Clarian Health, and its strong affiliation with the Indiana University School of Medicine, makes it the only comprehensive clinical resource for Indiana's children and the premiere source for health-related information for their parents. From simple care associated with the health and wellness of children and less complex specialty care to the most critically-ill and medically complex cases, Riley Hospital for Children is a national leader. Clarian Health operates the Methodist Hospital, Indiana University Hospital and Riley Hospital for Children campuses as a single hospital under Indiana law. Visit Riley Hospital for Children for more information.
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