By now you've no doubt heard that H1N1 (swine) flu—a form of the influenza virus that originated with pigs—is spreading. As of May 10, 2009, there have been 2,532 confirmed cases and 3 deaths from H1N1 flu in the U.S. Internationally, the pandemic alert level (as established by the World Health Organization) is Phase 5, just one phase below full-blown global pandemic. That sounds scary, but watchful waiting and commonsense precautions (namely frequent hand-washing and staying away from people who appear to be sick) are your best bets for now.
"We're concerned, and you should be concerned, but there's no reason to panic," says Acting Surgeon General Steven K. Galson, MD, MPH. Because the virus could mutate quickly and become stronger, it's a good idea to check cdc.gov/h1n1flu for daily updates, as well as to pay attention to any warnings issued by your state government. The answers to these FAQs should help you understand the situation a little better.
Q. Are lots of people going to die from this?
We just don't know yet. "With seasonal flu, some people will die but most people won't get that sick from it," says Dr. Galson. "A Phase 5 alert tells us that this disease is spreading, but it doesn't tell us anything about how severe it might be," says Anne Gershon, MD, president of the Infectious Diseases Society of America and a professor at Columbia University in New York.
Q. What happens if we progress to a Phase 6 alert?
The average person really doesn't need to worry too much about what "phase" we're in, since this system mostly relates to how countries and medical experts share information and resources with each other. "It's more important to pay attention to what's going on in your area," explains Dr. Galson. "We'll make decisions, such as when to close a school, based on the number of cases in a specific place."
Q. What's being done to prepare for the worst-case scenario?
A lot has changed since the devastating flu pandemic of 1918–1919. Health experts know so much more about what causes disease, how it's spread, how to track it and how to treat it. Right now they're mobilizing—they're making sure that medical resources (including drug treatments like Tamiflu and Relenza) are available in areas where there have been outbreaks, and they're working on a vaccine to protect against H1N1 flu (it should be ready before next winter, when flu season tends to be in full force).
Q. Is it safe to get on an airplane?
Assuming you're healthy and not headed to Mexico (it's safest to steer clear until we know more about the spread of the disease there), it's probably safe to travel. "If you have to get on an airplane, go," says Dr. Gershon. "We're not telling people to avoid travel, whether it's on a plane or the subway, at this point," adds Dr. Galson.
Q. Should I wear a mask, especially if I take mass transit or am around large groups of people?
Most masks are useless, says Dr. Gershon, because they don't provide a good seal over your mouth and nose. Yes, you can buy higher-tech ones (labeled N95 or higher) that have a very tight seal, but there's no evidence that most people need to do that at this point. Plus, they're uncomfortable and can't be worn for long periods of time. Save your money and buy a thermometer instead. "You wouldn't believe how many people say, 'I think I have a fever because I feel hot,' when they don't even have a thermometer in the house."
Q. If I think I've been exposed to H1N1 flu, how long could it take for me to develop symptoms?
The incubation period is anywhere from two to seven days, says Dr. Galson.
Q. How will I know if I have it?
The symptoms are almost identical to those of any other flu: fever, headache, body aches, coughs, sore throat, etc. This variation of the flu does seem to cause some digestive problems as well, says Dr. Gershon. But a definitive case of H1N1 flu can only be confirmed if your doctor takes a culture or other diagnostic test.
Q. If I have any symptoms, should I stay home from work or school?
It depends. If you only have, say, a headache, then the chances that it's H1N1 flu are slim. But if you have a combination of upper respiratory problems and fever—especially if you have a cough plus a fever—stay home, says Dr. Galson. In fact, the CDC says anyone with flulike symptoms should stay at home (except to seek medical care) for 7 days after symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. To avoid infecting others, make sure that you cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and if you do have to leave the house, wear a face mask.
Q. If I think I have it, do I need to go to the hospital?
Unless you're having a very hard time breathing, do NOT go to the ER or show up at your doctor's office unannounced, says Dr. Gershon. "That's just going to overwhelm the medical system." Your best bet is to rest up, take some Tylenol to relieve your aches and pains, and if you don't feel a little better in about 12 to 24 hours, call your doctor to see if you need to come in.