No one likes coming down with a cold. It can disrupt anyone’s life. You have a terrible cough, congestion and might even be running a fever. So you decide to wait it out but it only seems to be getting worse. You may need to consider that you have something a bit more serious than the typical bug that is going around. You need to seek medical attention to determine whether or not you have the H1N1 flu. It can be deadly to high risk individuals who have lowered immune systems. It can also be dangerous to young children. But there is a lot of misinformation out there about this strain of the flu so you need to have the facts before you begin to panic. This article can help you understand what the virus is and how you can protect yourself, and your family, from feeling the effects.

What is H1N1?

The term “H1N1″ actually refers to a specific type of flu strain. It is a current strain of flu that is causing many people great headaches because it is particularly more difficult to manage and control than the typical seasonal flu. It has caused great panic because of the dangers associated with this particular strain of flu. There are more risks and people who have been diagnosed with this strain of flu have had a harder time recovering from it. It has definitely made those at high risk seek additional methods of avoiding contracting this virus.

How is H1N1 different from the swine flu?

Though many people call the H1N1 flu the swine flu, it is actually not. It was first thought, because of genetic markers, that it was a mutated strain of the swine flu that is common in pigs in North America. But further testing has revealed that it is actually not the same. Scientists and researchers at the Center for Disease Control have labeled this flu as”quadruple reassortant” flu because it is actually a virus that contains two genes that come from swine flues in Europe and Asia and it has markers for avian flu and the human flu.

How is it different than other strains or varieties of the common flu?

The common flu often only has one strain or genetic strand that identifies it. And it is normal for a person to come into contact with the average flu strain and not have to worry overly about their health. There are always some exceptions, such as those individuals that are already suffering from poor health. The H1N1 virus has seemed to target younger individuals more so than the elderly. It has caused many deaths but these were individuals who did not receive proper treatment and had other health problems that seemed to worsen with the onset of this particular flu strain. But generally all strains of flu do have common genes or common symptoms and are often hard for physicians and clinics to distinguish between the common flu and this new hybrid. It requires further testing and so many people may have the common flu but are treated as if it were the H1N1.

Is H1N1 dangerous?

Any flu or cold can become dangerous if it is not treated properly. The H1N1 is no different and if you follow the same basic practices then you can eliminate much of the danger that has been associated with this particular flu strain. There are some people that are in more danger than others. People with compromised immune systems, the elderly and the young often suffer most with this particular strain and have a harder recovery time. But if you go to the doctor when you first come down with the symptoms or start to feel poorly, the doctor can help speed up your recovery time. You can also practice some basic safety precautions to help eliminate the chance you do come down with the flu. You can use alcohol sanitizer when you are out and unable to use soap and water to wash your hands. If a friend or family member has the flu then you should wear a face mask when visiting. You should always cover your mouth or nose when you cough or sneeze. It is basic sanitary practices that can make all the difference.

Can flu become a pandemic?

Yes, flu can easily become a pandemic. A pandemic is defined as a disease or illness that has spread to a vast majority of the population or is in danger of spreading. Usually the illness has to be airborne as this is the quickest way for people to become infected with the virus. There have been many instances of flu strains becoming pandemics. The Spanish flu wiped out thousands of people and was an incredible danger to millions. The Center for Disease Control has officially labeled the H1N1 flu as being a pandemic because it has affected so many people on different continents and is spread so easily.

Do vaccinations for H1N1 work?

Yes, the vaccinations for H1N1 and the seasonal flu do seem to work. Many people are rushing out to get these vaccinations because they do not want to risk coming down with either strain of flu. And the vaccination is especially recommended for those that may be at higher risk for more complications should they come down with the flu. If you work in a healthcare environment where you will be exposed to the “swine” flu, then you may want to consider getting the vaccination as you will more than likely come into contact with it more then the average person.

What steps can I take to prevent the H1N1 flu?

Sometimes it is the most basic and practical steps that can prevent infection from anything that is contagious. The first and most important step you can take to prevent any strain of the flu is to wash your hands often. Hot soap and water is the most effective way to prevent infection. The second step is to wash the surfaces of your home with a disinfectant. This will kill any germs present. If you happen to be out and about and cannot wash your hands, use a hand sanitizer that has a high alcohol percentage to kill the germs. If you know someone who has the H1N1 virus, or any flu virus, you should not visit them while they are contagious. Simple steps such as not touching your face or covering your nose and mouth will go a long way to preventing you from becoming ill with the flu.

How long is the flu contagious?

The H1N1 flu can be contagious one day before the symptoms begin and are still contagious up to five to seven days after the symptoms have ended. Even on hard surfaces the germs can live for up to eight hours. So if you come through and touch a door knob after someone with the flu has touched it, you could find yourself contracting the flu. It is important to pay attention to your hands as they are the most common way it is spread. If you are feeling some of the symptoms you need to avoid being around others until you are completely well. If you have to be out you can wear a face mask to protect yourself and others.

How do I know if I have H1N1 or just the regular seasonal flu?

Almost everyone who comes down with flu-like symptoms automatically assumes they have the H1N1 flu. The truth is those quick flu tests performed in the doctor’s office only shows if you have the flu. It does not differentiate between the swine flu and the common flu. The only way to know for sure is to have the sample sent off to a lab where they can look at the genetic markers of the flu strain. The symptoms are largely the same and the treatment is as well.

What can I do to help myself if I do come down with the flu?

Any flu can be life threatening if not treated properly. One of the biggest dangers is dehydration. It is important to keep taking in liquids even when you do not feel like drinking. If you are running a fever you need to take a fever reducer such as Tylenol. You can also help boost your immune system with Vitamin C. If you catch the flu early enough you can get a shot of Tamiflu from your physician. The Tamiflu shot will help shorten the duration of the flu. The most important thing you can do besides keep up your liquid intake is to rest. Rest can do wonders for the body and can help it repair itself and fight the flu.