answersLogoWhite

0

🍎

Swine Flu (H1N1/09)

The 2009 Pandemic Swine Flu, A-H1N1/09, the Type A influenza virus that was first identified in the early spring of 2009 in Mexico and then spread world wide to become a true Pandemic by June 2009. Different from other current seasonal strains of H1N1, and also not the same Swine Flu from prior epidemics or outbreaks (like in 1976), it is known by many different names in different places and settings, such as: H1N1, Novel H1N1, A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)v-like virus, la grippe porcine, The Mexican Flu, la epidemia, Schweinegrippe, and SOIV (Swine Origin Influenza Virus).

1,816 Questions

Can you get a flu shot if you have a cough?

Usually, yes. However, if you have a fever with the cough, you should wait until the fever is over before getting the flu vaccination. They recommend waiting 48 hours after a fever before getting the shot/jab.

Something to consider, though, is whether you may be spreading something with your cough to others when you go out in public with it. If you can wait until the active symptoms are gone, stay home and rest and drink plenty of fluids, you will be being a good neighbor and probably feel better sooner, too.

How many shots of the H1N1 vaccine does a child under 4 need?

The injected vaccinations approved for use in the US for H1N1/09 can be given to babies as young as 6 months. Vaccinations are not given to younger babies because their immune systems are not mature enough to deal with the immune response needed for vaccinations to work. It is important that all those in contact with infants under 6 months get their vaccinations so they do not bring home the flu to babies at high risk due to their immature immune systems.

The nasal mist vaccines can be given to children 2 and older.

Check with your pediatrician for the best information on the appropriateness of the vaccinations for your children.

Is the 2009 flu stronger than the 1976 Swine Flu?

The swine flu outbreak in 1976 at the Fort Dix, New Jersey military base was feared to be potentially extremely deadly, and the government reacted quickly then because those first affected were young, healthy soldiers. This was so different from the normal seasonal flu that the quick action may have been, in hind sight, an overreaction due to the unexpected demographic group being affected. These previously healthy victims of that flu strain quickly developed pneumonia. One died as a result. The virus was thought to have circulated approximately a month in the close quarters of the group in basic training but not outside the group, then it disappeared. But there was great concern at the time that it might resurface and be even more deadly; that is what prompted the hastily set up and infamous vaccination program of 1976.

Since the 2009 outbreak has spread faster and farther, and as of early June 2009 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared it to meet the criteria to be called a pandemic, the comparison now makes it clear that the 2009 A-H1N1/09 virus is stronger and has claimed many more lives than the 1976 flu.

And, in another comparison, while the first wave of the 2009 pandemic has been milder by far than the end result of the 1918 pandemic, the first wave of that 1918 Spanish Flu was also mild. The very high death rates of the Spanish Flu did not actually begin until a second wave. This is why the governments of the world are watching the A-H1N1/09 virus with concern that it may turn into a rapidly spreading and more deadly version in the Northern Hemisphere's 2009 fall flu season.

Very rough estimates of the mortality rate of the pandemic A-H1N1/09 influenza have now been calculated from statistics gathered by a French study in late August 2009. This was reported in the Public Library of Science (PLOS). There have been problems in determining exactly how many cases of the flu have occurred unrecognized due to the milder symptoms, unreported, and/or unconfirmed. The one study so far to attempt that, has come up with figures to make a rough estimate. Based on their findings, the Novel Swine Flu is 100 times more virulent than the typical seasonal flu.

The data suggested that there is 1 death in 10,000 cases from A-H1N1/09 compared to 1 in 1,000,000 from seasonal flu strains. This is what gave the prior mentioned indications of A-H1N1/09 being 100 times more virulent than seasonal flu, with a mortality rate of the 2009 pandemic flu of 0.01%.

The math from the CDC's prior counts of seasonal flu deaths and cases, however, gave a typical mortality rate of the seasonal flu as 0.12%. Based upon the above study, the mortality rate of the seasonal flu would be more like 0.0001%. So, obviously, there is still more to gather and learn and evaluate before the strength of the current pandemic can be properly compared to other flu outbreaks.

As the 1976 flu did, the 2009 flu is affecting younger rather than older people. The elderly, who are typically weaker and more susceptible to infection, are not getting the swine flu as often (unless there are underlying chronic conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive lung disease, see related questions below for the full list of high risk conditions). Mostly, it is people between the ages of 5 and 24 that are likely to contract the Novel H1N1 Flu, with the group most often having it falling in the late teen years.

Unlike the 1968 outbreak, we have identified this pandemic from much earlier in the outbreak, and are monitoring it more closely while it is occurring, than any epidemics or pandemics of the past. The work that the WHO and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have done to help nations prepare for pandemics is evident in the response. Also, we have access to better antivirals than we did in past flu epidemics/pandemics.

Of course, this is not yet finished, more waves of the A-H1N1/09 pandemic are expected, which may be even more deadly, so we can not know until the end just how virulent this virus might mutate to be. The health ministries and other Government entities are still saying that it could be bigger and stronger than any before.

The best recommendation is to get the "Swine Flu" shot when it becomes available to your location and for your risk group so that you will have immunity, which is especially important for those in the high risk groups.

What is vaccination and how does it work?

In a vaccination you will receive a version of the pathogen (disease) that can not make you sick because it is inactive or significantly weakened. It will be introduced into your body with an injection or sometimes using oral or nasal formulations. Your immune system will then produce antibodies, which will kill or deactivate the introduced pathogen. Therefore, if an active/live pathogen would enter your body later, your immune system would be quickly able to produce more of the same type of antibodies, as they will recognizethe organism that caused the infection and know what antibodies will work on it. Boosters then might be used over the years to essentially remind the immune system how to defend your body against the pathogen.

Why are people scared of the Swine Flu vaccine?

There are very many rumors, myths, and a lot of misinformation being passed around about the vaccines for the H1N1/09 flu, and people who listen to this non-scientific and incorrect information become afraid and don't want to get the shot. The risks of having the flu and getting very ill or even dying are low but they are still greater than any risks that might be associated with the vaccination. The vaccination is being made the exact same way and with the exact ingredients as the seasonal flu shots that have a very good safety record over a period of decades now. The only thing different are the pieces of the dead or weak viruses that are used to make it work for swine flu, instead of the same kinds of dead or weak viruses that can't make you sick that are put in the seasonal flu shots to protect from them. People who listen to the misinformation and don't get the shots are putting themselves and others unnecessarily at risk.

Are there different kinds of flu shots given at pharmacies?

There are many drug manufacturers world wide who are competing for the flu vaccine business. Each makes their own version. For example, some contain different preservatives and some are made with "live" virus particles (in the US, the nasal sprays) and others with "dead" virus particles (the types for injection).

Each manufacturer also may make different formulations of the vaccine to be administered in different ways and to different people. Those who have suppression of the immune system can not take the live virus vaccines, for example. Some have contraindications for people of different ages or medical history or for those with allergy to the specific preservatives used.

Each flu season in the US we have a new recommendation from epidemiologists for what virus particles are expected to be causing the flu in our location in that season which determines which virus subtypes and strains will be included as the antigen in the vaccine. There are three of these selected each year to be put into the one annual vaccine. This is why there is a new vaccine formulation each season adjusted to include the appropriate types of flu viruses that we need to be protected from that year.

Does drinking alcohol kill H1N1?

If by alcohol you are referring to rubbing alcohol, yes it can render the H1N1 virus inactive ("killed") IF used properly. That means washing a surface area (or your hands) with soap and water or other cleaning solution FIRST. Then briskly wipe down the area with the rubbing alcohol. Keep in mind alcohol works better on bacteria than viruses, and that you must wait until the alcohol has evaporated before an area can be considered "germ free". Also, the recommended waterless gel hand sanitizers contain about 60-65% alcohol. It is best to wash your hands FIRST, but if unable to, the hand sanitizers are effective, but be sure to use a good glob of it, really COAT your hands, paying attention to the tops as well as the nail beds, and not consider your hands "safe" until it has evaporated from the friction of rubbing your hands together briskly long enough for them to feel dry. Friction and the rubbing action are important to physically remove the virus, it is not simply a chemical action that works to remove or render the virus inactive.

Can the Swine Flu virus live on a dollar bill?

Viruses, like the Swine Flu Virus, are not really "alive", but in order for them to replicate, they need a compatible host (such as a person or animal like a pig) or other environmental conditions that enable them to not dry up or run out of fuel. Most viruses last about two hours on a non-animate surface, mostly depending on the humidity or other sources of moisture.

Since dollars are paper and fabric, they could hold some additional moisture, so they may remain dormant but viable on that surface a little longer than if they were on a metal doorknob, for instance. Money is a known location for microbes, including bacteria and viruses, to collect and even reproduce, so any time you handle money, it is wise to wash your hands as soon as possible after wards.

One of the often unknown methods of disease transmission is money handling by customers and servers in restaurants. Carrying waterless hand sanitizer with you to use in those circumstances before putting your hands to your mouth again, is a good practice. Responsible restaurants disallow servers from handling money and assign that responsibility to a different worker to avoid contamination to your food and utensils. For more information about common methods of microbe transmission and methods to avoid them, see the related question below.

Causes of H1N1 flu?

H1N1 flu causes depend on perspective. Directly, it is the H1N1 swine flu virus that causes swine flu. The vast genetic variability of influenza viruses has made it difficult to give a name to this virus that is both scientifically correct and useful in general parlance. Both "h1n1" and "swine" describe a set of viruses which includes subsets. Neither is specific enough; neither is "h1n1 swine." In July of 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that it would refer to the virus responsible for the current outbreak as "h1n1/09," a term that is scientifically and genetically valid, and uses the year of the outbreak to further specify.

Influenza viruses invade human cells, hijack their "machinery," and use the cells to reproduce. Infected cells produce large amounts of specific chemicals that stimulate body's immune response, which in turn causes many of the symptoms common to swine and other types of influenza.

Viruses are incredibly simple biological entities, so simple in fact that there is some debate as to whether or not they can be called "alive." Regardless, this simplicity allows for infinite genetic variation through a process called "reassortment." Through the shuffling of genetic materials, influenza viruses of all kinds (influenza and otherwise) rearrange their makeup as well as their characteristics: what type of species they infect, how they are transmitted, they area of the body (type of cell) they infect, etc. This endless variability forever keeps the body's immune system playing "catch up." Even though exposure to a type of influenza virus produces some degree of immunity, if the virus mutates slightly that immunity may be rendered completely ineffective.

Sometimes two different viruses may "reassort," taking on each other's characteristics. For example, a virus specific to swine may combine with one that can infect humans, creating a new virus that can spread from swine to humans. (The capability to move then from human to human may take an additional mutation.) This is a simplified version of the process that likely produced the h1n1/09 virus.

Additional causes of the h1n1/09 outbreak include the prevalence of global travel and the scale of the industrial meat industry. The state of travel in the modern world means that an infectious disease can easily traverse the world many times over, making containment extremely difficult. It is believed that the h1n1/09 outbreak involved both sides of the world: the virus reassorted and "jumped" from swine to human in Asia before traveling, via human host, to Mexico, where it began to spread and the pandemic began.

Industrial meat production includes keeping extremely large numbers of animals in very tight quarters, providing perfect conditions for the spread and reassortment (mutation) of viruses at an exponentially faster rate than would be found in the wild.

What are the four phases of Swine Flu?

It is not a combination of four viruses in swine flu, only the one H1N1/09 virus.

You may be thinking of the four types of genetic material contained in the genome (virus DNA or RNA hereditary information) that are found in the H1N1/09 virus. These contain the genetic material of the virus and help in identification of the specific virus and the origins of it.

Swine flu (H1N1/09) contains genomes from four types of flu, this is called a quadruple reassortant (or reassortment). It indicates that there have been changes in the original virus with introduction of new genomes to create the new form. The four types of flu reassorted in the pandemic swine flu are: Eurasian swine flu, American swine flu, Avian flu, and Human flu.

Some scientists prefer to call it a quintuple reassortant and list it as five by breaking down Eurasian swine flu into the original two genomes that combined to form it, Asian swine flu and European swine flu.

Can you get a cold after the flu shot?

Yes, the seasonal flu vaccine is meant to cover the types of flu expected to be most dominant during any given flu season. However, many other flu viruses exist which would not be covered by that particular flu vaccine.

If you actually get the flu, and not just a mild reaction to the vaccine (which can seem similar at first), it will most likely be because you:

  • had it already before you got the vaccine and just had not shown symptoms yet; or,
  • between the time you took the vaccination and your body developed the full immunity you caught the flu. This can take as long as two weeks in adults with healthy immune systems, but with the 2009 H1N1 vaccine it worked as quickly as 8 - 10 days in many people. Children under age 10 require a series of two vaccinations for the flu since their immune systems are immature and they need an extra "kick start". Around one month after their first shot they will need a second one, and then within another 3 or so weeks, they will have developed full immunity to that particular organism); or,
  • you may have caught a strain of flu that was not included in the vaccine, and so the vaccination would not provide immunity to it (however, if it is a similar strain, it could make your symptoms milder).

Which hurts more a flu shot or a swine flu shot?

There is no difference in how the shot feels for either type of vaccine. They are the exact same thing except for the difference in the strain of the flu that is included in the vaccine.

If you are between the ages of 2 and 49, and healthy and not pregnant, you may be a candidate for the nasal mist vaccination which does not involve any needles. There is a nasal mist vaccine approved for use in the US.

Or, if you are between the ages of 18 and 64, and healthy, you may be a candidate for the newest type of flu vaccine that is administered intradermally (ID ~ within the skin layers). This new type of vaccine which is available in the US and Northern Hemisphere for the 2011-2012 flu season hurts much less than the injection of IM vaccines. Some of the advantages of this inactive "dead" vaccine:

  • Improved acceptance by needle-averse individuals
  • Needle is not readily visible to the patient
  • Needle size 90% smaller than IM needles, 30 gauge
  • Needle depth 1.5 mm
  • Smaller amount of vaccine solution injected 0.1 mL
  • Less antigen per injection, 27 mcg compared to 45 mcg IM
  • Trials indicate less pain with injections
  • Can cause more local injection site symptoms of mild to moderate redness, swelling, and other site reactions than IM, for 3-7 days
  • Fewer systemic reactions (fever, headaches, muscle aches, etc.)
  • 75% of trial participants were very satisfied
  • 96% of clinicians giving the ID vaccines would recommend

How many people have died in the state of Mississippi from Swine Flu?

There may be some ongoing cases in limited locations around the world, including in Mississippi. However, the specifics and counts of cases are no longer being tracked by CDC, WHO, the US states, and most other countries, now that the pandemic has been declared over. Influenza cases are monitored, but specific H1N1/09 counts (and the lab tests needed to isolate the specific virus to be able to count them correctly) aren't being done. Influenza cases in general are monitored, but statistics are not being kept for H1N1/09 cases separately from other influenza types for reporting any longer in the post pandemic phase.

162 Have been reported at Mississippi State University. 3 At Ole Miss, and 10 Probable cases pending.

Is bronchitis a symptom of Swine Flu?

Yes, it can be. But not everyone will vomit when they have it because it really depends on how badly it effects each individual. Use proper hygiene and hand washing to avoid any cold or flu and get vaccinations against the flu regularly at the beginning of flu season in your location.

Is Swine Flu in Tennessee?

Yes, in a small town right outside of Memphis called Collierville and was discovered with a boy at incarnation church.

When was the Swine Flu vaccine made?

The vaccine was first distributed just at the beginning of the 2009 flu season in the Northern Hemisphere.

It is included in the regular seasonal flu vaccination again in the 2011-2012 flu season.

Is Swine Flu in Georgia?

There may be some ongoing cases in limited locations around the world, including in the US. However, the specifics and counts of cases are no longer being tracked by CDC, WHO, and most US states now that the pandemic has been declared over. Influenza cases are monitored, but specific H1N1/09 counts (and the lab tests needed to isolate the specific virus to be able to count them) aren't being done. Influenza cases are monitored in most states and via the CDC but statistics are not being kept for H1N1/09 cases separately from other influenza types for reporting any longer.

Can the flu cause disorientation?

Diabetics can frequently have peaks and crashes in blood sugar. Low blood sugar as well as high can cause a plethora of problems one of which being dizziness and disorientation. With a well regulated diet these shifts in blood sugar become less frequent.

How is Swine Flu treated?

There is no cure for flu viruses. The different methods of treatment of Swine Flu include:

Symptomatic Treatment:

In addition to the prevention with a vaccine, and treatment with anti-viral medications (see more below), the flu is treated symptomatically with

medications (usually over-the-counter medications), and other symptom-relieving measures. Antibiotics do nothing for the flu viruses, antibiotics are only for bacterial infections and do not work for viral infections like swine flu.

There are products to treat the specific signs and symptoms of the individual, such as anti-emetics for vomiting and medications to treat diarrhea, analgesics for the aches and pains, fever reducers, and other typical medications for cold and flu symptoms. The typical symptoms of H1N1/09 are similar to all viral influenza infections.

Swine flu symptoms often include:

  • Fever.
  • Cough.
  • Sore throat.
  • Muscle and joint pain.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Nausea and vomiting.Diarrhea.

Treatment is relative to the severity of the symptoms and the symptoms can vary from person to person. In most cases, treatment is the same as it is for the seasonal flu. STAY HOME, REST, DRINK MORE LIQUIDS, Motrin or similar for fever and aches, and perhaps over the counter flu or cold medicines for

comfort. Eating healthy foods is also important.

An antibiotic may be prescribed to treat secondary bacterial infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia, but this is usually not needed. Other treatments can include anti viral medications prescribed by your doctor. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required for respiratory support and IV medications, but these complications are not the norm.

Do not give aspirin for fever to children or teens. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

Aspirin or aspirin-containing products should not be administered to any person aged 18 years old and younger with a confirmed or suspected case of influenza virus infection, due to the risk of Reye syndrome.

Avoid dehydration:

When the symptoms include fever with increased perspiration, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, one of the most important treatments would be replenishing lost fluids by drinking plenty of water, or if tolerated, sports drinks. If drinking fluids is not tolerated, contact a health care provider to see if anti-emetics (medicines for vomiting) are needed. You may need medicines for the fever or diarrhea. Sometimes other forms of replacement of fluids may be necessary. Dehydration is a serious complication of viral disease, especially in the elderly or very young.

Other simple measures to make you feel better:

Proper hydration as mentioned above, a good diet (with supplements such as Vitamin C if needed), and proper rest can help boost the immune system and are also important.

Showers and baths can be comforting for aching muscles and joints and for more humidity for inflamed mucous membrane tissue.

Use facial tissue with lotion in it to help relieve a sore red nose from the runny nose, or apply scent-free baby lotion or even petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to your sore nose.

Continue to follow all advice of the CDC and WHO for preventing the spread of this H1N1/09 flu and other flu viruses, such as frequent hand washing and good etiquette and control of spread of the flu using tissues for coughs and sneezes. Keep aware of the updates and announcements from those organizations and your local government health entities.

Antiviral Medications to lessen the severity of symptoms, stop virus reproduction, and to speed recovery:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) information says that the swine flu can be treated if caught very early with two of the anti-viral medications oseltamivir (Tamiflu/Fluvir) and zanamivir (Relenza).

Tamiflu is for treatment in adults and children aged 1 year and older, and should be taken within 48 hours of the first symptom for maximum effect, however, your health care professional can determine if it is appropriate to start this treatment even after that date, so contact them for advice if you have been exposed or have symptoms.

There are currently 4 types of antiviral drugs that are licensed for use in the US for the treatment of influenza: Amantadine, Rimantadine, Oseltamivir and Zanamivir. While most swine influenza viruses have been susceptible to these drugs, the most recent swine-flu viruses isolated from humans, are resistant to Amantadine and Rimantadine.

None of these drugs prevent us from getting the virus, but can lessen the severity of the symptoms and shorten their duration.

If prescribed within the first 40 hours of symptoms, Tamiflu can also be used to prevent the H1N1/09 virus, in some cases. It is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for this prophylactic (preventive) use. It can also be used for prescription to other members of a household, when one person is known to have the influenza, to prevent the rest from getting it.

It is not a substitute for proper preventive hygiene techniques and other recommended ways to avoid getting the swine flu and should be used in combination with these measures when prescribed.

October 2009:

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved three flu shot vaccines and one nasal mist vaccine for use in the US. The vaccines are now being distributed within the states by the local state governments, and provided to those at highest risk of complications first (e.g., pregnant women and children over 6 months old or those caring for these infants who cannot take the vaccines, etc.).

Pregnant women and parents of young children should be proactive in finding where and when they can get their vaccinations. The risk of the flu, especially in these groups is much higher than any perceived risks of getting the vaccination.

Contact your healthcare provider to determine if you fall into any of the first groups who will be offered the vaccine. If you plan to get the vaccination as recommended, ask your PCP (Primary Care Provider) if the shot or the mist is most appropriate for your use. They should be able to tell you how and where to get the immunization. But local news sources should also be announcing that to the public when this process of distribution is begun in your area. (See also the related questions below about which type of vaccine is best for different groups of people.)

Other flu treatments in experimental trials:

One of the most encouraging developments for all future flu and viral infections, is the "cure" or treatment currently in animal trials, that, unlike current antiviral medications, approaches the attack on the virus in a new way that can not only disable the specific strain of virus, but also prevent it from future mutations (that can allow it to be resistant to the treatment after it makes those modifications).

Current antiviral medications affect the chemical "keys" on the viruses' coats to prevent them from attaching to the host cells. The current problem is that the virus can continue to mutate and adjust to chemically change its protein coating and render the anti-viral medication ineffective. The new approach attacks the virus at the stem, instead of at the protein coating. The stem is unable to mutate to a resistant version. The new drug is expected to work on the most deadly of current viral strains. *

The manufacturer of the new antiviral treatment has announced that they hope to have the human trials completed and the medication in production in not too long, if all goes well in the current animal trials.

Common Cold Vaccine Development--Not yet:

Unfortunately, at least the first product being developed, that is mentioned above, is not expected to be effective against the rhinovirus (one of the most prolific viruses that cause the common cold). While it is anticipated by the manufacturer to be effective against our most deadly types of viruses, it is not being targeted to treat the rhino-viruses. We may continue to suffer future sniffles, for a while longer... but this can also be a good thing. It is an advantage to keep our immune systems "tuned" through battle with the more minor viral strains anyway. We are steps closer than ever to the cure for the common cold, though.

Prevention is the best medicine! See additional information at the sites listed in the related links section below, and in the related questions, for techniques you can utilize to reduce the prospect of contracting the virus.

TAMIFLU UPDATE JULY 31, 2009

Tamiflu Side Effects in Children

According to research from the European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training and from colleagues from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) in London, which was published in Eurosurveillance (the peer-reviewed journal of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control), a small number of children are having neuropsychiatric side effects from Tamiflu such as nightmares, inability to concentrate, insomnia, and slight confusion.

The article at the NHS web site (link is provided to the full article in the related links section below), states:

'. . . more than half of children taking Tamiflu to combat swine flu suffer side effects such as nausea, insomnia and nightmares,' said The Daily Telegraph. It also said the study suggests that one in five children who took part reported having a neuropsychiatric side effect.

However, this has been proven to be a limited complication and only in that age group.

none yet I'm scared

supposedly if you get a weak strain of swine flu you will become immune to even the more powerful strains

PS: GET YOUR SHOT!!!!!

When can you return to work after having flu-like symptoms and fever?

A person who is sick with the stomach flu is contagious for at least 3 days (and often 2 weeks) after symptoms have stopped. That means there are still stomach flu viruses present in your feces for at least 3 days after you have recovered. Ideally, you should stay home from work for 3 days. If this is not possible, you need to take extreme care not to spread your illness to others. Hand washing is very important. Don't touch anyone or anything without clean hands. If you work as a food service provider (restaurant or cafeteria worker) you MUST WAIT 72 hours before returning to work. Contagious food workers are often responsible for outbreaks of the stomach flu.

The stomach flu is really viral gastroenteritis. It is caused by a variety of different viruses and is unrelated to influenza (the real flu). The main symptoms are vomiting and/or diarrhea. When a person is sick with the stomach flu, the viruses that are causing their illness are present in their vomit and feces. Their vomit and feces contain millions of viruses. The illness is transmitted when a few of these viruses accidentally get into someone else's mouth.

Washing the viruses off your hands and body when you are sick is extremely important to avoid spreading the stomach flu. Particles of vomit can fly around the room when you are vomiting so cleaning sick room surfaces is also very important. The viruses can also live for weeks on surfaces so you must clean. Lysol disinfectant spray kills these viruses as does cleaning with a solution of 10% household bleach in water. Clorox wipes and Lysol wipes DO NOT kill these viruses.

A sick person is contagious (still producing viruses) for at least 3 days (often for 2 weeks) after their symptoms have stopped and they think they are well. Stay away from other people as much as possible while you are contagious. Keep young children home from day care or preschool for 3 days after they have recovered from a vomiting illness to avoid starting an outbreak at your school. If you work as a food service provider (cafeteria restaurant worker), do not return to work for 3 days to avoid starting an outbreak.

Could the Spanish flu ever return someday?

yes because it could come more than one time and it's a kind of disease which sometimes return.

The real question is not can the spanish flu return, but when.

What is above is not pessimistic, scientists consider this phenomenon as a normal evolution.

How many people in the Philippines are affected by a H1N1 virus?

That information is no longer being kept or made available. The counts of cases of H1N1/09 is no longer done. Testing is not often done to determine the type of flu and states are no longer required to report separate counts of H1N1 flu infections to the CDC in the US. Most, if not all, countries are no longer keeping counts of cases of H1N1/09, but monitoring of the total incidences of flu during the flu season is still continuing.

What is the symptoms of a runny nose?

Several things could be causing this.

Allergic rhinitis, season allergic rhintis, sinusitis (chronic or acutre depending on how long it has been going on for), perrenial rhinitis or other allergy. Ot could also be a chronic cold.

See your doctor for a diagnosis

Hope this helps

I do not know for sure what you have. It could be a chronic condition but not life threating.

Get well soon