Please click below to download or print the FAQs on Swine Flu in PDF form.
H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) F.A.Q.

Swine Flu has been officialy renamed, H1N1 Flu.

What is H1N1 Flu?

H1N1 Flu is an influenza A (flu) virus spread 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    
• Sore Throat   
• Body aches  
• Chills
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Cough
• In some cases, diarrhea and/or vomiting

Additional screening questions:

• Close contact with someone who is sick and/or who has been diagnosed with the H1N1  flu (close contact is defined by the World Health Organization and OSHA as within 6 feet).
• Recent travel history, specifically to Mexico
• Close contact with someone who has recently returned from Mexico

If you and/or your child meet the above criteria. Call us to book an appointment.

Call your doctor's office or our information line at 272-4636 to be routed to your ARC doctor's office.

I and/or my child only have fever under 100.5°F and a cough. What should I do?

Call your doctor's office as you normally would to discuss the symptoms you or your child may have and to determine the next steps. 

My family received their flu shots this year, are we protected from the H1N1 Flu?

No. The flu shot you were given does not appear to protect this particular strain. 

I didn’t get my flu shot this year. Can I still get one?

Yes, you can still get a flu shot; however, it does not appear that it will protect you from the H1N1 Flu. 

How can I protect myself from getting sick?

It is important to prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illness. Take these everyday steps to protect yourself and those around you:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze; Throw the tissue in the trash; Wash hands
• If tissue is not available, cough into your sleeve, not the air or your hands
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth; Germs spread this way
• If you are sick, stay home, limit your contact with others to keep from infecting them; and,
• Most importantly, WASH YOUR HANDS often with soap and water; Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective

I have heard that Tamiflu can be prescribed. Can I get a prescription?

Tamiflu and Relenza have both been proven effective, however, they are not recommended for preventative use. Talk to your doctor to determine whether you meet the risk criteria.

I am planning a trip to Mexico, what should I do?

At this time, there is a travel advisory in place, however, if you must travel, you will need to come in to see your doctor. If a preventive prescription is given, there are specific instructions that will need to be reviewed with you.

For additional information, please refer to Information about H1N1  Flu Virus