What is H1N1 flu?
H1N1 Influenza (H1N1 flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get H1N1 flu, but human infections can and do happen. H1N1 flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, the spread was limited and did not progress beyond three people.

Flu.gov is the official U.S. government Web site managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Here you will find frequently asked H1N1 (Swine) Flu Questions.

Factual information about H1N1 flu may also be found at Centers for Disease Control (CDC) or at the Washington State Department of Health H1N1 flu page.

What are the signs and symptoms of the new H1N1 Virus?
The symptoms in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include:

• fever greater than 100°
• cough
• sore throat
• body aches
• headache
• chills
• fatigue

Where can I find information on new cases of H1N1 flu in the U.S. and in Washington state?

• Washington state H1N1 hospitalizations and deaths. Reported by the Washington State Department of Health.
• Weekly influenza activity by state. Provided by the CDC and Influenza Division.
• Global monitoring of outbreaks. Provided by federal Flu.gov.

In the event of an outbreak of a contagious disease such as H1N1 flu, can a local health officer require schools to close?
Yes, local health officers are given the authority to require school closure if they believe this action will be necessary to control or eliminate the spread of the disease. However, the health officer must first consult with the school superintendent before taking this action. See WAC 246-110-020.

What can parents do to help prevent the spread of H1N1 flu?
Parents can find guidance, checklists and information sheets on the Individuals and Families Planning page of Flu.gov. This page offers language translations of important H1N1 information.

CDC advises common-sense measures for preventing flu: stay home if you’re sick, avoid close contact and practice hand hygiene. As always, persons with a respiratory illness (fever of over 100°, cough and/or sore throat) should stay home from work or school to avoid spreading influenza and other respiratory illnesses to others in their communities.

This is also a good opportunity for individuals and families to review and establish a personal emergency preparedness plan. The possibility of public health emergencies arising in the United States concerns many people in the wake of recent hurricanes, acts of terrorism and the threat of pandemic influenza. Taking preparedness actions helps people deal with disasters of all sorts much more effectively when something does occur.

The American Red Cross sponsors a Pandemic Flu site that offers flu-prevention tips for kids. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Red Cross teamed up to answer common questions and provide step-by-step guidance you can take now to protect you and your loved ones.

Is H1N1 flu information available in other languages?
Yes. The Washington State Department of Health released a H1N1 Flu Fact Sheet in English, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Tagalog, Korean, Vietnamese and Large Type. Also, DOH publishes translated versions of A personal and family guide in Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, Chinese and Korean.