As of August 2010, H1N1 flu is no longer a pandemic. This fact sheet provides historical information about H1N1 flu. It will no longer be updated.

Definition

H1N1 flu is a respiratory infection. It can cause mild to severe illness.

Causes

The H1N1 flu is caused by a virus. It spreads by:

• Breathing in droplets—after an infected person coughs or sneezes
• Touching a contaminated surface—and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth

Pandemic H1N1 Virus

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Risk Factors

The H1N1 flu is more common in people under 25 years old. The main risk for H1N1 flu is contact with a person who has it.

The risk for severe H1N1 infection is higher with:

• People in certain age groups, such as those:
  • Younger than 2 years old
  • 65 years or older
• Long-term aspirin use— in those younger than age 19
• Pregnancy or recent birth
• Diabetes
• A weak immune system
• Long term lung, heart, kidney, liver, nerve, or blood problems
• Living in a long term care facility
• Obesity

Symptoms

Symptoms of H1N1 flu may range from mild to severe. They may be:

• Fever and chills
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Severe muscle aches
• Being very tired
• Headache
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting

If H1N1 flu becomes severe, it can cause pneumonia.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. Diagnosis may be based on symptoms.

A nose or throat swab may be taken and tested. This can confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

The goal is to ease symptoms and prevent problems. Those with severe illness may need hospital care.

Treatment options may be:

• Rest and fluids
• Over-the-counter pain medicine
• Medicines to ease cough or stuffy nose
• Saline nasal sprays
• Certain antiviral medicines—for those with severe illness or who are at risk for it

Prevention

The risk of H1N1 flu may be reduced by:

• Taking the H1N1 flu vaccine
• Taking certain antiviral medicines—for people with a high risk
• Washing hands frequently
• Not touching the eyes, nose, and mouth
• Avoiding close contact with sick people or their items, such as utensils