H1N1 (originally referred to as Swine Flu)

The H1N1 flu virus caused a world-wide pandemic in 2009. It is now a human seasonal flu virus that also circulates in pigs.

• Although the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the pandemic was over in August 2010, H1N1 is still circulating.
• Getting the flu vaccine is your best protection against H1N1.
• You cannot get H1N1 from properly handled and cooked pork or pork products.
• Symptoms of H1N1 are similar to seasonal flu symptoms.

H1N1 is a flu virus. When it was first detected in 2009, it was called “swine flu” because the virus was similar to those found in pigs.

The H1N1 virus is currently a seasonal flu virus found in humans. Although it also circulates in pigs, you cannot get it by eating properly handled and cooked pork or pork products.

The symptoms of H1N1 are the same as seasonal flu symptoms.

On August 10, 2010 WHO announced that the world is in a post-pandemic period. However, H1N1 is still circulating. H1N1 is included in the 2011-2012 seasonal flu vaccine.

 The H1N1 flu virus spreads between people in the same way that seasonal flu viruses spread.

The best way to prevent the H1N1 flu is to get the seasonal flu vaccine.  The 2011-2012 flu vaccine includes protection against the H1N1 flu virus. You should also follow our everyday steps to keep yourself healthy during flu season.

If your health care provider has diagnosed you with H1N1, you should follow our treatment recommendations and your health care provider’s orders.

Flu.gov, A federal government website managed by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services 200 Independence Avenue, S.W. - Washington, D.C. 20201