Updated 09/14/2009

2009 H1N1 flu?

What is 2009 H1N1 (swine flu)?

2009 H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new influenza A (flu) virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a pandemic of 2009 H1N1 flu was underway.

How does it spread?

H1N1 Flu spreads mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing, from contaminated hands, tissues, objects, or surfaces.

I think I and/or my child may have the flu. What should I look for?

Symptoms (generally abrupt onset) include:

• Fever over 100.5° F
• Cough
• Sore Throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Body aches
• Headache
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea and vomiting (this symptom has not effected everyone)

Additional screening questions:

• Close contact with someone who is sick and/or who has been diagnosed with the flu (close contact is defined by the World Health Organization and OSHA as within 6 feet).

I and/or my child meet the above criteria. What should I do?

• Stay home and avoid traveling and going to work or school, for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, except to get medical care or for other necessities.
• Call your ARC clinic to make an appointment or speak to a nurse or our information line at (512) 272-4636 to be routed accordingly.
• If you come in for an appointment, please use a mask when checking in, they are available at the check-in desk. This is to protect you as well as minimize the risk to those around you.

When should I seek emergency medical care?

In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish or gray skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Visit the CDC web site for more information about H1N1 symptoms and treatments.

Is there a vaccine for H1N1?

Yes, the 2009 H1N1 vaccine is expected to be available in the fall. More specific dates cannot be provided at this time as vaccine availability depends on several factors including manufacturing time and time needed to conduct clinical trials. The Texas Department of Health will distribute the vaccine. Check back regularly to find out more about the availability of H1N1 vaccine at Austin Regional Clinic. Visit the CDC web site for more indepth discussion of the H1N1 vaccine.