Ocean Medical
FAMILY & URGENT CARE
1106 S. Pacific Coast Highway
Redondo Beach, CA 90277-4902
Phone (310) 316-1661 Fax: (310) 316-1846
Bradley D. Smith, M.D.
Chief Executive Officer
Richard Jordan, M.D.
Mehdi Tahsini, MD
Debra Herzik, NP
2009 H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) and You
What is 2009 H1N1 (swine flu)?
2009 H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Fever, chills, headache, sore throat, cough, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, fatigue, vomiting or diarrhea.
Is Pandemic H1N1 flu the same as the seasonal flu?
No. The virus that causes Pandemic H1N1 flu is a new type of flu virus that is different from the virus that
causes the seasonal flu. Both types of the flu can be serious. The good news is that getting a vaccine and
practicing simple prevention steps such as washing your hands often can prevent them both.
How is Pandemic H1N1 flu spread?
The main way that influenza viruses spread is through droplets from a sick person when they cough or sneeze.
Flu viruses can also live on surfaces such as tables, faucets or doorknobs for up to eight hours. You can become
infected by touching an infected surface, then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
How long can an infected person spread this virus to others?
People infected with seasonal and 2009 H1N1 flu shed virus and may be able to infect others from one day
before getting sick to 5 to 7 days after. This time frame can be longer in some people, especially children and
people with weakened immune systems and in people infected with the new H1N1 virus.
Groups at high risk for complications
 Pregnant women, adults, and children from ages 6 months through 24 years
 Adults 25-64 years old and children who have chronic medical problems, or are immunosupressed
 Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities.
Treatment if exposed
For people who are at high risk of complications of influenza and are in close contact with a person confirmed,
probable, or suspected of being infected need to be evaluated by a health care professional.
How is Pandemic H1N1 flu treated?
Pandemic H1N1 flu is treated the same way that seasonal flu is – with lots of fluids and plenty of rest away
from work or school. For serious cases, a healthcare provider may prescribe an antiviral medication. Antiviral
medication can make your illness milder, make symptoms last a shorter period of time, and prevent more
serious flu complications.
Treatment of novel influenza A (H1N1)
The novel influenza (H1N1) virus is susceptible to both oseltamivir (Tamilfu) and zanamivir (Relenza).