Novel H1N1 Information

Individuals/Families

Community strategies that delay or reduce the impact of a pandemic (also called non-pharmaceutical interventions) may help reduce the spread of disease until a vaccine is available.

As you plan, it is important to think about the challenges that you might face, particularly if a pandemic is severe. It may take time to find the answers to these challenges. Below are some situations that could be caused by a severe pandemic and possible ways to address them. A checklist and fill-in sheets for family health information and emergency contact information have been prepared to help guide your planning and preparation.

Community Mitigation

Community mitigation refers to the possible actions that communities and Federal, State, and local governments will take to slow the spread of the novel H1N1 flu by limiting close contact between people. Some of the steps that may be taken to limit contact and the spread of the flu include:

  • Dismissing students from schools and closing day-care centers.
  • Arranging alternate work options, such as working from home and staggered work schedules.
  • Canceling public gatherings.
  • Suggesting that people avoid crowded places such as concerts, sporting events, open markets, and shopping malls, and public transportation.
You should protect yourself by
  • Washing hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based hand gel; use soap and water and wash long enough to sing Happy Birthday twice. If you don't have soap and water, use alcohol-based hand cleaner.
  • Staying away from people who are sick, if possible..
What you should do if you become sick

Be prepared to stay home if you develop flu symptoms for seven days after the start of illness or at least 24 hours after you no longer have symptoms, whichever is longer. Call your doctor by telephone, or other remote means, before going to the clinic, doctor's office, or hospital.

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

  • Fast breathing or trouble breathing
  • Bluish skin color
  • Not drinking enough fluids
  • 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
  • Fever with a rash

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

 If you must leave home and go into a crowd, wear a face mask to reduce spreading the virus. If a face mask is unavailable, use tissues to cover any coughing.

 Other steps you can take if you feel sick are to

  • stay home as soon as you feel sick;
  • ask your doctor about antiviral medicines;
  • not attend public events.

 Family members and caregivers should

  • isolate sick people in hospitals, homes, or other facilities;
  • be prepared for schools closings and workplace closings as needed;
  • be aware if you start to feel sick yourself.

Helpful links