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H1N1 Influenza Virus (Swine Flu) - Stay Informed

      

Situation Update

During the week of October 18-24, 2009, influenza activity continued to increase in the United States as reported in FluView. Flu activity is now widespread in 48 states. Nationally, visits to doctors for influenza-like-illness continue to increase steeply and are now higher than what is seen at the peak of many regular flu seasons. In addition, flu-related hospitalizations and deaths continue to go up nation-wide and are above what is expected for this time of year.

Synopsis:

During week 42 (October 18-24, 2009), influenza activity increased in the U.S.

  • 8,268 (42.1%) specimens tested by U.S. World Health Organization (WHO) and National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System (NREVSS) collaborating laboratories and reported to CDC/Influenza Division were positive for influenza.
  • All subtyped influenza A viruses being reported to CDC were 2009 influenza A (H1N1) viruses.
  • The proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza (P&I) was above the epidemic threshold.
  • Twenty-two influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported. Nineteen of these deaths were associated with 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus infection and three were associated with an influenza A virus for which the subtype was undetermined.
  • The proportion of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) was above the national baseline. All 10 regions reported ILI above region-specific baseline levels.
  • Forty-eight states reported geographically widespread influenza activity, Guam and two states reported regional influenza activity, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico reported local influenza activity, and the U.S. Virgin Islands did not report.
             
   
What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in people?
The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu, including 2009 H1N1 and have respiratory symptoms without a fever. Severe illnesses and deaths have occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.
Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
     
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
     
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
     
  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
     
  • If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.
   
     
  Links to check out:
  Check out the CDC site for the latest info:
  http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu
  Web site dedicated to the H1N1 Virus
  http://h1n1virus.us/
  Why it's swine flu and the H1N1 designation.
   http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/key_facts.htm
 
      Images of the H1N1 Influenza Virus
The images below of the newly identified H1N1 influenza virus were taken in the CDC Influenza Laboratory.		  
     

     
                     
                           
                             
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