Transmission
- H1N1 spreads the same way as seasonal flu viruses, by means such as:
- Droplets from cough or sneeze of an infected person (1).
- Touching an objected that an infected person touched and then touching eyes, nose, or mouth (3).
- Infected can be contagious one day before showing symptoms (3).
- H1N1 viruses do not spread by food. Eating properly handled and cooked pork is safe (3).
- Seasonal flu typically peaks in February and March and influenza activity can occur as late as May (1).
- The Basic Reproduction Number, or R0 (R-naught), indicates how contagious an infectious disease is. It refers to the average number of secondary cases will occur, on average, over the course of the infectious period (2).
- For H1N1 swine flu, researchers estimate its R0 value was between 1.4 and 1.6, just slightly greater than 1 (2). An R0 value greater than one means the disease will spread between people, and there may be an outbreak or epidemic.
- H1N1 did not have have a high R0 value due to the existence of vaccines and antiviral drugs, making the 2009 outbreak much less deadly (2).
Prevention
Prevent spreading and contracting by (4):
- Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Staying home if you are sick and limiting contact with others.
- The 2009-2010 flu season was very unusual. The emergence of a the new H1N1 virus meant that two vaccines were needed: one to prevent seasonal influenza viruses that were anticipated to spread and another to prevent influenza caused by the newly emerged 2009 H1N1 virus.
- CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met July 29, 2009, to make recommendations on who should receive the new 2009 H1N1 vaccine during that season (1). It was recommended for:
- pregnant women
- caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age
- healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
- all people ages 6 months through 24 years
- persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza (1).
- The seasonal flu shot protects against the three or four influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the season (4).
- H1N1 components are still frequent parts of seasonal vaccines (4).