Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 FAQs - General

What is Pandemic (H1N1) 2009? Learn more about symptoms, diagnosis, prevention and what to do if you've been in contact with someone diagnosed with H1N1.

Pandemic Phase rose to Level 6 on June 11, 2009

The World Health Organization has determined that the current situation with Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 (geographic spread to 74 countries, with sustained community spread in at least two WHO regions) fulfills the criteria for declaring Pandemic Phase 6.

What is Pandemic (H1N1) 2009?

The virus which is called Pandemic H1N1 2009 is a new strain of influenza A which can be transmitted from person to person. New strains of seasonal influenza A circulate every year in flu season.

How does influenza spread?

Human-to-human spread of Pandemic H1N1 2009 is thought to happen in the same way as seasonal influenza and other respiratory infections. When the infected person coughs and sneezes, the viruses are released into the air where they can be breathed in by others. Viruses can also remain on hard surfaces like counters and doorknobs, where they can be picked up on hands and spread when someone touches their eyes, mouth and/or nose. Some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on hard surfaces.

What are the symptoms of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 in humans?

Symptoms of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 in people are the same as seasonal influenza. The most common symptoms are:

  • Sudden onset of cough
  • Fever (temperature of 38 C / 100.4 F or higher)

Other common symptoms may include:

  • Tiredness (fatigue)
  • Headache and muscle aches
  • Loss of appetite
  • Sore throat and runny nose

With pandemic (H1N1) influenza, individuals will sometimes have nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Most people who get Pandemic (H1N1) influenza have mild symptoms and get better within one week without medical treatment. A small number of people develop more severe symptoms and require hospitalization. If you develop more severe symptoms, you need to see a health care provider right away. More severe symptoms are:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain

How long will I have symptoms (cough, fever, etc.) if I have H1N1?

Most people with H1N1 will have mild illness and their symptoms generally disappear within seven days. After most of the symptoms disappear, some people have a post-viral cough and tiredness. The cough is not contagious at this stage and may last two to three weeks. Some people who are severely ill may have symptoms for much longer. If fever, sore throat, muscle aches and pains, headache, etc. have resolved and the person is well enough to resume their normal daily activities, it is safe for them to return to work, school, daycare, etc. even with a lingering cough.

How long will I have symptoms (cough, fever, etc.) if I have H1N1 and have been treated with tamiflu?

Antivirals may result in a shortening of duration of symptoms of one to one and a half days from the usual course.

What is the incubation period for Pandemic (H1N1) 2009?

People usually develop symptoms of influenza from 1-3 days after becoming infected. However, there have been some variations in the onset in the various cases seen in Mexico, US and Canada and Public Health is giving up to 10 days to watch for symptoms to show up.

How long is a person contagious if they develop Pandemic (H1N1) 2009?

The infectious period for a confirmed case of Pandemic H1N1 2009 has been defined as 1 day prior to the onset of illness in the case to 7 days after the onset of illness. With most influenza, you are most contagious for the first 3-5 days. Until more information is available about Pandemic H1N1 2009, as a precautionary measure, health officials are asking people with symptoms to stay home until 24 hours after symptoms have resolved.

How is Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 diagnosed?

People with mild symptoms generally do not require testing. Only people with severe influenza-like illness requiring hospitalization are being tested for pandemic H1N1 2009 infection to guide their treatment. A nose or throat swab may be done. Other tests such as blood work may also be ordered.

People with mild symptoms do not require testing. If they have influenza-like illness, it is probably H1N1 2009 virus because this virus is currently widely going through our community. People with flu like illness should stay at home and use self-care until their symptoms disappear and they are feeling well enough to return to their normal activities.

People who are at high risk for influenza-related complications (under 65 years of age with chronic medical conditions pregnancy; children under two years) should see a physician at the beginning of influenza-like illness so that they can be treated if needed.

What if I am pregnant, am I at an increased risk?

Pregnant women are at increased risk of influenza related complications. Immunity can be decreased during pregnancy. It is believed the risk would be the same for Pandemic (H1N1) 2009.

What cleaning should I do at home for Pandemic (H1N1) 2009?

Keep surfaces (especially bedside tables and surfaces in the bathroom) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label.

What age groups are most at risk for Pandemic (H1N1) 2009?

There is no official listing of the risk groups for Pandemic (H1N1) 2009. The Public Health Agency of Canada will make recommendations about those at higher risk based on information that is currently being collected. The recommendations will help with planning H1N1 vaccination programs later in the fall. There is some overlap for more severe disease or influenza-related complications associated with both seasonal and H1N1 influenza. Examples of this are pregnant women and individuals with chronic medical conditions. Individuals older than 65 years have not been as vulnerable to Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 as they have been to seasonal influenza.

It is important that everyone take precautions to prevent Pandemic (H1N1) 2009. What should members of the public do?

People with influenza-like symptoms that are higher risk for severe disease and complications with seasonal influenza should seek medical advice for appropriate management. Anyone with influenza-like symptoms and who develops increasing shortness of breath, chest pain, or has a fever that does not improve in three to four days should also seek medical attention.

Are people who have been in contact with those diagnosed with Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 being quarantined?

There is no requirement for contacts of cases of H1N1 infection to be quarantined and it is not recommended by any public health agency. These contacts should monitor their health for symptoms of influenza-like illness and stay home if they become symptomatic.

What should I do if I or someone in my family develops influenza symptoms?

You can use the H1N1 symptoms chart available on the Alberta Health Services website or call HEALTHLink Alberta at 1-866-408-5465 (LINK).

Pandemic Phase rose to Level 6 on June 11, 2009

The World Health Organization has determined that the current situation with Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 (geographic spread to 74 countries, with sustained community spread in at least two WHO regions) fulfills the criteria for declaring Pandemic Phase 6.

What changes will occur as a result?

At this time, we will continue with what we have in place right now - surveillance for severe illness and changes in who is being affected, both of which could signal a change in the virulence of the virus. We continue to monitor the evolving situation closely.

Has there been a change in the type of disease we are seeing?

No, the majority of cases in Alberta are mild influenza illness - fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches and fatigue for up to about 7 days, improving spontaneously with full recovery. As with all influenza, there are a small proportion of people who do develop more severe disease. Those at increased risk for more severe disease are those with other underlying medical conditions.

What should members of the public do?

Basic messages still apply:

  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol based hand sanitizer.
  • When you cough and sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with your arm. not your hand.
  • When using a tissue, throw it in the garbage and clean your hands right away by washing or using alcohol based hand sanitizers.
  • If you develop an influenza-like illness (fever/cough or other respiratory symptoms), stay home with symptomatic treatment (AHW pamphlet it's In Your Hands etc.)
  • Rest
  • Increase fluids
  • OTC meds for fever and aches and pains
  • No need to seek medical attention unless more severe symptoms e.g., shortness of breath, etc
  • Public health and other Health organizations continue to follow the evolving situation closely