Welcome to COPE's Flu Information Center
Although it is too early to write the obituary for the H1N1 flu, also known as the swine flu, experts agree the first pandemic in 40 years appears to be on the wane. That said, a second wave this winter could stress schools, health-care facilities and workplaces. For that reason, advanced contingency planning is encouraged to reduce fear and anxiety, and to limit the virus's spread.
Select the resource category that interests you below and click on the link. For breaking news and updates, scroll through Flu.gov News on the left. If you have questions, please contact COPE.
How Employees Can Protect Themselves and Their Family
How Organizations Can Protect Their Employees
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of H1N1 influenza?
How is the H1N1 flu virus spread?
How rapidly is the H1N1 spreading?
A flu pandemic occurs when a virus mutates so drastically from previous strains that people have little natural immunity, resulting in widespread sickness and sometimes death. Influenza pandemics have occurred approximately every 25 to 30 years. The last pandemic took place in 1968 leading some officials to believe another outbreak is imminent.
H1N1 influenza symptoms appear similar to those of seasonal flu. They can include:
- fever
- cough
- sore throat
- fatigue
- headache
- body aches
- fatigue
- stuffy nose
- and chills
Some affected people have also reported diarrhea and vomiting.
Like all flu viruses, H1N1 spreads mainly through respiratory droplets that are released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. People can also become infected by touching a surface with virus on it (such as a door knob or computer keyboard) and then touching their mouths or noses.
Health officials do not know the magnitude of this flu season, but they report an unusually early start to the season. Because humans have so little natural immunity to H1N1, and the vaccine is in short supply, the effects on the population are a concern. What is known is that H1N1 is not, so far, particularly harmful to healthy people.
On June 15, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the pandemic alert from 5 to 6, an indication of the disease's spread not its severity. A level six alert does not mean that the flu is causing more serious infections or deaths in the United States. It does however remind employers and their employees to take preventative measures and to remain alert to changing health conditions.
Internationally, H1N1 is now the dominant flu strain in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and New Zealand. Earlier this year, health officials in the Americas reported five times as many cases as their European counterparts. African nations reported the fewest cases.
Unlike other flu viruses, people over 60 appear to have some immunity to H1N1, while young people do not. And because children and young adults are more likely to gather in groups - at school and college - they are more vulnerable to infection. Still, precautions should be taken regardless of age or health.
Those first in line for H1N1 flu shots are:
- Pregnant women
- Infant caregivers
- Children ages 6 to 24
- People with respiratory ailments
- Health-care workers
- Emergency medical-service workers
On the positive side, the virus has not mutated making it possible for scientists to create a vaccine to innoculate against the H1N1 flu. The flu vaccine is free. A nasal spray may be available to you, otherwise recipients can expect to receive one shot in the arm. However, because delivery of the serum has been slow, and those most at risk will be innoculated first, many Americans won't be treated until the flu season is well underway.
The more you plan in advance for an extreme event, such as the pandemic, the more in control you are likely to feel. Begin by asking yourself these questions:
- What would I do if I heard from a reliable source that the flu is spreading?
- Do I have sufficient food and medicines in case I am forced to stay indoors?
- Do I have a copy of important medical information and a list of emergency contacts that I can carry with me in the event we have to evacuate?
- Do I know what to do or who to contact if my workplace closes?
Additional Resources
Home Health Care Basics: Taking Care of the Sick at Home