What is H1N1?
H1N1 is a new flu virus that began infecting people in Mexico and the United States in March and April and has spread to become a worldwide pandemic. New infections are ongoing in the United States and will continue through the seasonal flu period. Most people who have become ill with this new virus have recovered without requiring medical treatment. The 2009 H1N vaccine is expected to be available in the fall.
What are the symptoms?
The signs and symptoms of H1N1 are similar to those of the seasonal flue and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A large number of those with H1N1 have also reported diarrhea and vomiting.
How does it spread?
H1N1 is thought to spread in the same way that seasonal flu spreads – from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. People may also become infected by touching something such as a surface, object or item with the flu virus on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
How to stay healthy?
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol based hand sanitizers can also effective when you do not have access to water and soap.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you are sick with flu-like illness, the CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.
Tips for Preventing & Handling H1N1 this Soccer Season
• Remind players of healthy habits including covering noses and mouths with a tissue or their arm when they sneeze or cough and good hand washing practices
• Keep alcohol based hand sanitizer at practices and games for team use
• Wash Pennies with hot water and laundry detergent between practices and games
• Encourage parents to keep players home when they are presenting flu-like symptoms. Someone who has been diagnosed with H1N1 flu should stay home for 7 days after the onset of illness or at least 24 hours after their fever subsides.
• If your parents are interested in more information, you can provide them with the CDC’s “Guide for Parents” here: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/flugallery/2009-10/parents_guide.htm