Frequently Asked Questions

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H1N1 is a type of flu virus that regularly infects pigs, but may also make people sick. Symptoms are similar to the common flu and can include high fever, cough, headache, general aches, fatigue, eye pain, shortness of breath, and lack of appetite. Some people have also reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. It is highly contagious.

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An influenza pandemic is a worldwide outbreak of a new strain of the flu virus, or a strain that may not have circulated among humans for a long time, so people have little or no immunity to it.

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Yes. H1N1 vaccine is currently available through doctors’ offices, walk-in medical clinics and public H1N1 vaccination clinics for those who are in the high-priority groups for early vaccination.

H1N1 clinics for the general public will be scheduled as soon as sufficient supplies of the pandemic H1N1 vaccine are available, likely in late November.

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Influenza is spread from person to person through droplets produced by coughing or sneezing.  These droplets can travel up to 2 metres (6 feet), landing on surfaces and being inhaled by others.  If a person touches an object contaminated by droplets and then touches their eyes, mouth or nose, without first washing their hands, they can catch the H1N1 flu.  The virus can survive on hard surfaces (such as doorknobs, handraisl and toys) for up to 48 hours.  The virus will survive on your hands for five minutes.

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If you are told you have been in contact with someone who has H1N1 flu virus, it is very important for you to monitor yourself for symptoms, including fever and new or worse cough. However, if you are feeling well and are not experiencing a cough or fever there is NO need to stay away from work or school. Continue your activities as you would normally do. If you develop symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath, stay at home to rest and recover. If you are worried about your illness, your first step should be to consult with your family doctor or call HealthLink at 8-1-1 for advice. If you are not feeling sick, you do not need to see a doctor or take preventative medicine.

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If you have the H1N1 flu, you may experience symptoms such as:

• fever
• headached
• muscle pain
• cough
• sore throat
• body aches
• runny nose

Some people, especially children, may also have nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

Adults over 65 and children under five may not have fever when sick with the H1N1 flu virus.  Although colds and other viruses may cause similar symptoms, influenza generally makes you sicker than other viruses.

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Stay home from work or school for seven days from the start of your symptoms or until your fever is gone – whichever is longer. This will decrease the chance of spreading the virus to other people. If you are concerned about your illness, call ahead to book an appointment with your doctor, call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 or use the HealthLink BC online H1N1 Symptom Checker.

For more information on when to seek medical care >>

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• Wash your hands regularly with warm water and regular soap, especially after you cough or sneeze.
• When you can’t wash your hands, use a hand sanitizer.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, throw it into the trash right after you use it, and wash or sanitize your hands right away.
• If you don’t have a tissue, cough and sneeze into your upper arm or sleeve.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs can spread that way.
• If you get sick, stay home and limit contact with others.
  

View more information on how to properly stay home and self-isolate.

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If you start to feel worse, call ahead to book an appointment with your doctor, call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 or use the HealthLink BC online H1N1 Symptom Checker. If your symptoms are severe, go to your local Emergency Department and ask for a mask as soon as you get there. Tell the nurse and doctor that you may have the H1N1 flu virus.

For more information on when to seek medical care >>

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Mothers who are breastfeeding can continue to nurse their babies while being treated for the flu.  A mother's milk is made to fight diseases in her baby, and this is really important in young babies when their immune systems are developing.

Do not stop breastfeeding if you are ill.  Continue to breastfeed early and often.  If you are too sick to breastfeed, pump and have someone, who is not sick, give the expressed milk to your baby.