Facing the H1N1 Flu

Question: Should I be alarmed by the H1N1 flu known as "swine flu?"

Answer: President Barack Obama has put this strain of flu in perspective. He said H1N1 flu is "cause for concern, but not alarm." He also said government officials were monitoring the situation closely and that the safety of the American people was his top priority.

Question: Is it worse than other flus?

Answer: Officials don't know if H1N1 flu will be more severe than other seasonal flus, which kill 36,000 people on average every years and cause about 200,000 hospitalizations. H1N1 may run its course like ordinary flus.

Question: Why are people so concerned?

Answer: The reason scientists are so concerned is because the H1N1 flu is a new strain. That means Americans and people around the world have not built up immunity in the same way that they have to seasonal flus, which may mutate, but remain in the same band. New strains present challenges for our immune systems, which may not deal with it as effectively. That can mean that young people and healthy people can die from it - not just those with compromised immune systems.

Question: Where did this H1N1 flu surface and how long did it take for public health officials to go into action?

Answer: The first outbreak was in Mexico and officials mobilized about a week later.

Question: What's the goal - since no one knows how severe it will be?

Answer: The U.S. is planning for the worst-case scenario and for the long term. The H1N1 strain could be relatively mild on the front end, but it could come back in a more virulent form during the actual flu season.

Question: How is the government preparing for this flu in the short- and long-term?

Answer: Officials are discussing the productions of vaccines in anticipation of the flu season. They are making sure federal agencies are coordinating and that they have appropriate action plans.

White House officials are working with the Department of Education to provide clear guidelines for school closures. They are also working with the U.S. Chamber of Comerce to ensure that businesses are supportive of hourly workers who need to stay home but may be worried about losing their jobs because they don't have sick leave. They also are discussing how to respond to other countries who need help in dealing with the flu.

Stay Informed

The Center for Disease Control Web site will be updated regularly as information becomes available.

Everyday Actions

Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. Take everyday actions to stay healthy.

• 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.
• Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
• Develop a family emergency plan as a precaution. This should include storing a supply of food, medicines, facemasks, alcohol-based hand rubs and other essential supplies.

Call 1-800-CDC-INFO for more information.