People will ask about H1N1 "swine" flu.
We'll update you more as CDC learns more about this bug. So far, we know enough to answer the majority of patient questions.
Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir) work against this influenza strain. They work best if started within 2 days of the first symptoms.
These two antivirals also prevent H1N1 flu in an exposed person...over 70% of the time.
Amantadine and rimantadine DON'T work...for treatment or prevention of H1N1 flu.
Patients can be contagious one day before showing symptoms...and for up to 7 days after symptoms begin.
The virus might last 2 hours outside of the body...on doorknobs, pens, banisters, etc. New reports that suggest it can live for 72 hours MAY turn out correct, but for now are preliminary.
Encourage hand washing as a primary way to reduce spread. Alcohol rubs work too.
Explain that this virus is spread just like other influenza viruses through coughing and sneezing respiratory droplets...but NOT by eating pork.
This season's flu vaccine doesn't protect humans against H1N1 flu. The current scare is with SWINE H1N1. This strain is antigenically very different from the HUMAN H1N1 strain.
To help you answer questions, see our Detail-Document with info from CDC: Patient Handout: H1N1 (Swine) Flu and You.
- Patient Education: 2009 H1N1 Flu and You