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FLU RESOURCES FOR PARENTS
H1N1 INFLUENZA VIRUS - UPDATE
Novel influenza (H1N1) is a new flu virus of swine origin that first caused illness in Mexico and the United States in March and April, 2009. Its thought that novel influenza A (H1N1) flu spreads in the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread, mainly through the coughs and sneezes of people who are sick with the virus, but it may also be spread by touching infected objects and then touching your nose or mouth.
H1N1 is spread from person to person when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or talks into the air and the other person inhales the virus. The virus enters the nose, throat or lungs of that person, begins to multiply and symptoms develop. For some individuals, these symptoms show up in 24 hours; while others take up to seven days. Once symptoms show, a person is still contagious for up to seven more days.
It is expected that most people will recover without needing medical care.
If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed. Be aware that if the flu becomes widespread, less testing will be needed, so your health care provider may decide not to test for the flu virus.
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