What is the difference between the annual flu and a pandemic flu such as the H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)?
| Annual Flu |
Pandemic Flu |
| Occurs every year during the winter months |
Occurs three to four times per century and can take place in any season. |
| Affects 5% to 20% of the U.S. population |
May affect 25% to 50% of the U.S. population, depending on the severity of the virus strain. |
| Most people recover within 1 or 2 weeks. |
Usually associated with a higher severity of illness and consequently a higher risk of death. |
Kills 500,000 to 1 million people world-wide each year; 36,000 to 40,000 in the U.S. |
The worst pandemic of the 20th century, the Spanish flu of 1918, killed 50 million world-wide, 500,000 in the U.S. |
| Deaths are usually confined to the "at risk" groups, such as the elderly, the young, and those with existing medical conditions. |
All age groups may be at risk for infection. Otherwise fit adults may be at relatively greater risk, based on patterns of previous pandemics. |
| Vaccination is effective because the virus strain can be predicted fairly reliably. |
A vaccine against pandemic flu may not be available at the start of a pandemic. Production of effective vaccines could take 6 months or more. |
| Antiviral drugs are available for those most at risk of serious illness. |
Antiviral drugs may be in limited supply, and their effectiveness won't be known until the pandemic is underway. |
What are the symptoms of the H1N1 Flu?
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore Throat
- Body Aches
- Headache
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Chills
- Fatigue
How can I prevent the spread of the flu?
- Wash your hands
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
- Cover your cough or sneeze, or cough into your sleeve
- If you are sick, stay home from work or school.
- Don't travel if you are sick with flu-like symptoms.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- The flu virus can survive on surfaces (door knobs, phones, tables, etc.) for 2 to 8 hours after being deposited.
- Get flu shots.
- Keep informed.
When and Where can I get the flu shot?
- You will need two flu shots this year.
- Annual flu vaccinations should be available in September.
- H1N1 flu vaccinations should be available in October.
- Check here and in local media for specific times and locations.
Who should get the H1N1 flu vaccine?
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has listed the following groups as the targeted population for H1N1 flu vaccine.
- Pregnant Women
- Household contacts and caregivers of children under 6 months of age
- Healthcare and EMS personnel
- Children and young adults between the ages of 6 months to 24 years
- Non-elderly adults 24 to 64 years with underlying medical conditions
Where can I get more information regarding the flu?
www.flu.gov
www.cdc.gov/H1N1FLU
www.phd1.idaho.gov/
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