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Health Department
What is swine flu?
H1N1 (swine flu) is a type of influenza (flu) virus that causes respiratory disease that can spread between people. Most people infected with this virus in the United States have had mild disease, but some have had more severe illness and death. Young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic diseases like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease may be at higher risk for complications from this infection. There are steps you can take to protect you family and to know when to seek medical care.
What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?
The symptoms of H1N1 (swine flu) are similar to the symptoms of regular seasonal flu. They include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue, and occasionally, vomiting and diarrhea. Flu viruses spread from one person to another mainly through the coughing and sneezing of a sick person. Flu virus may also be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with the virus and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
What You Can Do to Stay Healthy
You can get vaccinated against the H1N1 flu (given at the Health Department), and everyday actions like washing your hands often with soap and water or using a alcohol-based cleaner are effective. Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and staying away from sick people will reduce your chances of becoming ill.
If you become ill with flu-like symptoms you should contact your health care provider. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed. If you are sick you should stay home from work or school and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others. If you are experiencing difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion and/or severe or persistent vomiting, seek emergency medical care by calling 911 or going to the nearest hospital. For more information on the H1N1 (swine flu) call the West Allis Health Department.
General Information from the Center for Disease Control
- Swine Flu General Information
- Swine Flu - What is New?
- Swine Flu and You
- Swine Flu Key Facts (en Espanol)
- City 25 Public Service Announcement Video
Healthcare Provider Information
Guidance from the State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services
- Wisconsin Swine Influenza Surveillance and Testing Guidelines (4/26/09)
- Wisconsin Guidance on Antiviral Use for Swine Influenza A (4/26/09)
- Wisconsin Guidance on Infection Control of Swine Influenza A in Healthcare Settings (4/26/09)
- Wisconsin Novel Influenza Case Report Form (4/26/09)
Guidance from the CDC
- Live in an area where human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) has been identified or
- Have traveled to an area where human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) has been identified or
- Have been in contact with ill persons from these areas in the 7 days prior to their illness onset.
