How do I know if I have H1N1 flu?
The symptoms for all flu are similar and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body and head aches, chills and fatigue. Some H1N1 cases have been reported with diarrhea and vomiting. Get more information.

What are the best ways to prevent getting H1N1?

The H1N1 vaccine is the best protection from the H1N1 flu. Everyday habits can help protect you from getting any flu, including washing your hands often and thoroughly, avoiding touching your eyes nose and mouth, and avoiding contact with infected people. Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze can also help slow the spread. Get more information.

Who should get the H1N1 vaccine now?

The CDC has recommended several groups who should get the vaccine as soon as possible: pregnant women and people who are caring for children under 6 months of age or younger, healthcare workers, children and young people from 6 months to 24 years old, as well as people over 24 who have health conditions associated with possible serious complications from influenza. Any individual can get the vaccine, but if you have any underlying conditions or allergies, consult a doctor. Get more information.

Will the seasonal flu vaccine protect me from H1N1?

No, the seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 vaccine are separate, they protect against different viruses and the CDC is encouraging individuals to get both vaccines. Get more information.

Where can I find a seasonal flu shot or H1N1 vaccine near me?

You can locate a vaccine site for either or both vaccines using the Google Flu Shot Finder: http://maps.google.com/maps/mpl?moduleurl=http://maps.google.com/mapfile... or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services locator: http://www.flu.gov/individualfamily/vaccination/locator.html

What should I do if I’m diagnosed with H1N1?

Stay at home and avoid contact with others, but follow doctor’s recommendations and look for signs that you may need immediate medical care. Get plenty of rest and stay hydrated. Get more information.

What should I do if my child is sick with the flu?

Call your doctor right away if your child gets sick. Prompt action is important because antiviral medications for H1N1 flu may work best when started within the first 2 days of getting sick. Children younger than 5 years old and children with chronic medical conditions, can be at increased risk for complications from flu. Get more information.

What are the warning signs that I, or my child, might need to go to the emergency room?

In adults, the warning signs include: difficulty breathing, sudden dizziness, severe vomiting and pain or pressure in the chest. In children, watch for fast breathing or trouble breathing, fever with a rash, bluish skin tone, a worsening of flu symptoms and irritability or inability to interact or respond. In addition, if a child seems to get better and then worse, it could be a secondary infection. Get more information.

Is there medicine to treat H1N1?

If you contract H1N1, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder, prevent severe complications and make you feel better faster. Oseltamivir (TAMIFLU®) and zanamivir (RELENZA®) have both been found effective in treating the 2009 H1N1 flu. Get more information.

What pre-existing health conditions can cause serious complications for the flu? How should they be handled?

All people with chronic medical conditions who contract the flu should stay alert to changes in their condition, and keep a written record of the disease and treatments they are on with them at all times, as well as the name and number of their doctor. Read more on about pre-existing conditions.

People with asthma and the flu should seek medical care and watch for signs of bacterial infection.

Patients with cancer should determine with their doctor how they will access ongoing medical care, like chemotherapy, during a flu infection.

Patients with diabetes should continue to take diabetes pills and insulin when they get the flu and should test their blood glucose every four hours.

Patients with heart disease should not stop taking their medication if they get the flu and should be alert to changes in breathing.

People with HIV and the flu should contact their medical providers and continue taking medication for HIV, unless their doctor says otherwise.

Certain medications for arthritis can weaken the immune system, so people with arthritis should talk to their doctors about the flu and their risks.