Providence Health and Services
  Home  |   Patient Resources  |   Providers  |   Programs & Services  |   Classes  |   Facilities  |   Health Info  |   Employment  |   Ways to Help  |

     Site Search
   

 
 News
  News Archives
  About Us
  Our History
  Living Our Mission
  Powerful Medicine Newsletter
 
 

 

 

 

2009 Flu Information: H1N1 (Swine Flu) and Seasonal Flu

 

This year there are two kinds of influenza or flu to be aware of:  H1N1 (Swine Flu) and the seasonal flu.

What is H1N1 (Swine Flu)?
H1N1 or Swine Flu is a new influenza virus that was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. Symptoms include:
  • fever
  • cough
  • sore throat
  • runny or stuffy nose
  • body aches
  • headache
  • chills
  • possibly vomiting and diarrhea

What is seasonal flu?
The seasonal flu is a viral infection of the respiratory system (nose, throat, bronchial tubes, lungs). Symptoms include:

  • fever
  • cough
  • sore throat
  • runny or stuffy nose
  • body aches
  • headache
  • chills
  • fatigue

What's the difference between H1N1 and the seasonal flu?
One of the most notable differences between H1N1 and the seasonal flu is that H1N1 seems to have a more harmful effect on those under age 25. The information analyzed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) supports the conclusion that 2009 H1N1 flu has caused greater disease burden in people younger than 25 years of age than older people. At this time, there are few cases and few deaths reported in people older than 64 years old, which is unusual when compared with seasonal flu. (Source: CDC website)

One of the best ways to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine. It's important to note, however, that the seasonal flu shot does not prevent you from getting H1N1 (Swine Flu) and vice versa.  A separate flu shot is needed for each type of the flu.

General H1N1 Information and Updates
It's a good idea to learn as much as you can about the two types of flu. Here you'll find a helpful list of resources where you can learn more:

For Snohomish County:
Flu Central for Snohomish County
Snohomish Health District Website

For Washington State:
Washington State Department of Health H1N1 Home Page

For All Areas:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) H1N1 Website

• Background
• H1N1 and You
• H1N1 Fact Sheets (in multiple languages)
• What's New on the CDC Site
• A Guide for Parents (PDF)

Flu.gov
VueToo Swine Flu Situation

Help to Prevent the Spread of Flu
Clean Hands Save Lives

Care and Treatment
What to Do If You Get Flu-Like Symptoms
Taking Care of a Sick Person in Your Home