How to Prevent H1N1

H1N1, commonly known as “swine flu,” is a particularly harmful virus. In order to prevent an H1N1 outbreak, consider the following precautions:

1. H1N1 spreads faster than seasonal flu. Despite significant medical advancements, it remains difficult to manage and to effectively treat a widespread outbreak of swine flu. Because 50% of H1N1 patients do not experience the high fever associated with swine flu, they may unknowingly spread the virus. Isolating H1N1 patients is recommended to best prevent spreading the H1N1 virus.
2. Personal hygiene is crucial to protecting yourself against the H1N1 virus. Some suggestions include: washing your hands using warm water and soap, covering your mouth while sneezing or coughing, minimizing contact with large crowds, covering your face with a mask, etc.
3. H1N1 is dangerous, but not deadly. Although the virus spreads quickly, it is not life-threatening if treated in a timely fashion. If you believe you have contracted the virus, seek appropriate medical attention.
4. Children and medical professionals are the most susceptible. Since children younger than six months and health care workers are the most vulnerable to flu, they should be among the first to seek the swine flu vaccine. In addition, this highly contagious disease can easily pass from one person to the next — especially among family members. If a family member has contracted H1N1, it is recommended that the other members be tested for the H1N1 virus.

How to acquire the H1N1 vaccine:
The H1N1 vaccine can be taken in the form of a shot or nasal spray. It takes six months to prepare the H1N1 vaccine.

Benefits of the H1N1 vaccine: The 2010-2011 flu vaccine prevents a patient from contracting both the 2009 H1N1 virus and the seasonal flu.

For more information on H1N1, see below:

What Is Swine Flu?

Should I Get a Flu Shot?