Prepare for an increase in the number of individuals affected by the seasonal flu and novel H1N1.

Plan what to do if you, your loved ones or co-workers get sick and have to stay home. Make contingency plans for your home and workplace now.

Stay informed through a trusted source for up-to-date information on seasonal flu and novel H1N1.

Questions about H1N1? Here are answers to frequently asked questions:

What is Novel H1N1 (swine flu)?
Novel H1N1 is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. It was originally referred to as "swine flu" because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs in North America. Further study has shown that this new virus is different from what normally circulates in North American pigs. The virus was first detected in people in the U.S. in April 2009. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization declared H1N1 flu a pandemic.

How is H1N1 flu contracted?
H1N1 flu is thought to be spread in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing. Some people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes.

Who is at risk for 2009 H1N1?
Anyone can get 2009 H1N1, however children, young adults and pregnant women seem to be at the highest risk.

What is Georgia doing to help with the H1N1 flu investigation?
Georgia continues to closely monitor developments surrounding the H1N1 flu outbreak in the U.S. The state’s Division of Public Health is conducting enhanced surveillance to identify H1N1 influenza illness. The goals of enhanced surveillance are to determine the severity of H1N1 influenza disease and describe the epidemiologic pattern of human illness with this virus strain. For the most up-to-date information about H1N1 in Georgia, visit H1N1 Flu in Georgia.

Is the H1N1 Vaccine available in Georgia?
The Georgia Department of Community Health has created an online H1N1 Vaccine Provider Locator to help Georgians find healthcare providers in their area who may have the vaccine. Residents can also call the H1N1 Hotline at 888-H1N1-INFO (888-4161-4636) with questions about seasonal flu, H1N1, and the vaccine.

Who should get the 2009 H1N1 vaccine?
High risk groups including:

• Children 6 months through 24 years of age
• Women who are pregnant
• People 24 through 64 years of age with chronic diseases such as diabetes or asthma
• People caring for infants less than 6 months of age
• Health care providers

What should people do if they begin experiencing flu-like symptoms?
If people are ill, they should attempt to stay at home and limit contact with others until they are symptom-free for 24 hrs. Ill people who experience any of the following warning signs should seek emergency medical care:

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

How can citizens protect themselves and their loved ones?

• 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, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you become ill with influenza-like symptoms,contact your health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.

For more information about H1N1 flu, including treatment and prevention, visit the CDC's Web site. For more information about pandemic outbreaks visit pandemicflu.gov.