New H1N1/2009 "Swine" Flu

The new H1N1/2009 influenza (type A) is the most recent strain of the flu virus circulating worldwide. Cases have been confirmed in central NY, Tompkins County and at Cornell. Most of what is true about seasonal flu is also true of H1N1. However, because it is a new virus (made of a unique combination of swine, avian, and human genes), most people have little or no immunity to it.

Seasonal and H1N1 flu are spread from person to person in respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes. These droplets can move through the air about 3 feet before they fall to the surface (of a desk, table, sink, keyboard, etc.)

The flu spreads when a person comes into contact with the respiratory droplets of an infected person:

• directly, by sharing eating or drinking utensils, kissing, etc. (This is why keeping a distance of about 6 feet from a sick person is important.)
• indirectly, by touching a surface or object that has flu viruses on it and then touching one's own mouth, nose, or eyes. (This is why frequent hand washing and cleaning of shared surfaces is important.)

H1N1 also appears to be as contagious as seasonal flu, resulting in the classic rapid onset of fever and other symptoms characteristic of the flu. Illness has been mild for most people infected, but the range of experience is wide. H1N1 has been more serious for some—especially for those at increased risk of flu complications—and has also been associated with some deaths, even among college students. 

To date, the highest number of cases of H1N1 has been confirmed among people 5-24 years old, making students in the college environment particularly vulnerable to infection. (This group is also at risk of getting seasonal influenza.)

It is difficult to determine the actual number of cases of H1N1 as most people are not tested (see WHO testing guidelines) and recover within a week or so without medical assistance. The U.S. CDC and other public health agancies will be gathering aggregate data—monitoring the number of people seeking care nationally for flu-like illness, as well as the number of flu hospitalizations and deaths. CDC will also look at geographic spread of flu-like illness and changes in the virus.

It is possible the virus may become more severe in the coming months. Public health agencies are monitoring H1N1 closely for signs of mutation in order to quickly respond to any changes. 

As knowledge of the virus continues to evolve, we must remain ready for the changing information and recommendations. In the coming months, there will likely be rapid communication changes. Keeping up to date on emerging information will be vital during this year’s flu season.