www.elpasotexas.gov - Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Influenza

The City of El Paso Department of Public Health is continuing to monitor pandemic (H1N1) 2009 cases in the U.S. and Mexico to help ensure the health and safety of our citizens. In addition, the department remains in constant communication with local, state and federal health partners regarding preparedness and response efforts for El Paso County. The department’s goal is to reduce transmission and illness severity, and provide information to help health care providers, public health officials and the public address the challenges posed by this health threat.

What are the signs and symptoms of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 in people?
The symptoms of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with the novel virus. Like seasonal flu, the new virus may aggravate underlying chronic medical conditions.

Can I get pandemic (H1N1) 2009 from eating or preparing pork?
No. Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 is not spread by food. You cannot get the new virus from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.

How does pandemic (H1N1) 2009 spread?
The spread of the novel influenza virus is thought to occur in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Influenza viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something contaminated with the flu virus on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Due to this risk, it is stressed that people wash their hands several times a day.

How long can an infected person spread pandemic (H1N1) 2009 to others?
People with the new virus are considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic (showing visible symptoms) and for up to 7 days following the onset of illness. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

What can I do to protect myself from becoming ill with pandemic (H1N1) 2009? There is no vaccine available right now to protect against the new virus. There are daily steps that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Practice these daily steps to protect your health:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective, if you cannot wash your hands.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Try to avoid close contact with people who are ill.
If you become ill with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to prevent further infection.

What should I do if I become ill with pandemic (H1N1) 2009?
If you become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever (of 100ºF or more), body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, you may want to contact your health care provider or seek urgent medical care. The Department of Public Health recommends that citizens avoid overwhelming emergency rooms or doctors’ offices if under usual circumstances they wouldn’t seek medical care for their illness since this could delay service for those who are seriously ill.
If you are sick, you should consider staying home from work or school to limit your contact with others. Please do not seek flu testing unless you are severely ill and your physician recommends testing. Your treatment will be the same no matter what kind of flu you have. Testing supplies and testing facilities are limited. Due to the limited resources, only those who are likely to have the new virus should be tested. The testing is only intended to allow health officials keep track these flu cases in El Paso County. The tests results will not impact the type of medical treatment provided.

Where can I get more information about pandemic (H1N1) 2009?
The public may call 2-1-1 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) for more information about the new virus.

The Public Health Department will keep the media and the community at large updated on any new information that emerges regarding pandemic (H1N1) 2009 and any other public health matter.

Other Internet Resources and Posters

International

World Health Organization
http://www.who.int/en/
Mexico’s Secretariat of Health (Spanish)
http://portal.salud.gob.mx/contenidos/noticias/influenza/estadisticas.html#

National

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Spanish)
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/espanol/
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
http://www.hhs.gov/

State

Texas Department of State Health Services
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/swineflu/default.shtm

Other

Center for Disease Research and Policy
http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/cidrap/content/influenza/swineflu/index.html
National Association of County and City Health Officials
http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/cidrap/content/influenza/swineflu/index.html

Educational Documents

Clean, Cover, Contain, and Call – English / Spanish
Stop the Spread of the Flu – English / Spanish
Cover Your Cough – English / Spanish
Clean Hands Save Lives – English / Spanish
H1N1 Influenza Fact Sheet - English / Spanish

Guidance

Sources: City of El Paso Department of Public Health,
Texas Department of State Health Services,
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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