Influenza Flu (H1N1)

• Influenza, more commonly referred to as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness.
• There are two types of influenza viruses: Type A and Type B.
   

• The flu is common across the United States and worldwide.
• Peak flu season is during the winter between December and February, but cases are known to be present from October to May.
   

• Type A is found primarily in wild birds like ducks. Other animals that carry Type A are chickens, pigs, and horses.
• Type B is transmitted from person to person. 
• Avian Flu is a disease transmitted by wild birds and can infect domestic animals and livestock. It is rare for this virus to infect humans, however, there have been cases reported. 
• Type B influenza is airborne and can be spread from up to 6 feet away.
   

Symptoms include:

• Fever
• Coughing
• Sore throat
• Runny and stuffy nose
• Body and head aches
• Chills
• Sweats
• Fatigue
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Symptoms in animals, especially pigs, are similar to those that humans experience.  Vomiting and diarrhea can also occur, but is more common in children.
 

• Prescription antiviral drugs are used to treat the flu illness.
• Antivirals are different from antibiotics; they fight against bacterial infections in the body.
   

• Prevention for Type B starts with getting the flu vaccination.
• Some will argue the effectiveness of the flu vaccine.
• Antiviral drugs are used secondary once symptoms have occurred.
• These antiviral medications will help reduce symptoms by a few days and can also be used to treat pneumonia. 
• Prevention for Type A is to avoid exposure with infected animals or dead poultry. The seasonal flu vaccine will not prevent Type A influenza; however, it can help with co-infection with Type A influenza.
• To avoid Type B influenza, stay away from people that are sick and who are coughing, and sneezing.
   

• Those that handle poultry have a higher risk of getting Type A influenza.
• It is recommended that certain control tactics be practiced.
• Examples are protective equipment and washing hands often and thoroughly.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) has guidance for disease control.
   

• If you have the flu, you could potentially infect others as early as 1 day before you start to see symptoms.
• Children and those with weak immune syste should take extra precaution, especially during flu season.