General Information For the Public on Influenza A(H1N1)v

WHAT IS INFLUENZA A(H1N1)v?

Influenza A(H1N1)v is different from the ordinary or seasonal flu that occurs

every winter:

• It has spread rapidly around the world;
• It could be highly infectious;
• It may affect large numbers of people;
• It is likely to cause more severe illness than ordinary flu;
• It may cause more deaths than ordinary flu; and
• It may occur in two or more waves several months apart

HOW WILL I KNOW IF I HAVE GOT INFLUENZA A(H1N1)?

You will have the same symptoms as if you had ordinary flu but they will probably be sudden and may be severe. They may include:

• Temperature over 38ºC/100.4ºF and some of the following:
• Dry cough
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Runny nose
• Severe weakness and fatigue
• Vomiting / diarrhea
• Aching muscles and joints

These can lead to complications some of which may be severe.

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP PREVENT THE SPREAD OF FLU?

If you are ill, or think you might be:

• Stay at home;
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing with paper tissue;
• Use a tissue only once and dispose of it quickly and carefully – bag and bin it;
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water;
• Wash hard surfaces such as kitchen worktops, door handles, etc. with a normal household cleaner as the virus can live on these surfaces;
• Avoid large crowds of people whenever possible; and
• Make sure to tell your children and others to follow this advice.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I GET INFLUENZA?

• Contact your GP or the Flu Information Line to get advice and anti-viral medicine Freephone 1800 94 11 00
• Stay at home for up to 7 days or until you fully recover
• Discourage any visitors
• Take medicines such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce the symptoms
• Drink plenty of fluids

Most people with flu will recover within a few days.

The Flu Information Line is available 24 hours a day and is your primary source of information on Influenza A(H1N1)v. Freephone 1800 94 11 00

For further information on Influenza A(H1N1)v please visit the hyperlinks below:

Information & Medical Advice For the Public On Influenza http://www.hse.ie/eng/swineflu/ah1n1leaflet.pdf

Information Poster
Health Protection Surveillance Centre
HSE website - Swine Flu Information