Public
The Florida Department of Health has launched a toll-free number to provide public health information and updates on the 2009 H1N1 Influenza. Information is available in English, Spanish and Creole.
The information line will be available from 8 AM to 8 PM EST, 7 days a week. Telephone Number: 877-352-3581
FLORIDA ANTIVIRAL STOCKPILE PROGRAM
Letter and Information for Consumers, from Administrator Lillian Rivera regarding Florida Antiviral Stockpile Program and Participating Pharmacies
Letter and Information for Health Care Providers and Pharmacists, from Administrator Lillian Rivera regarding Florida Antiviral Stockpile Program
Florida Antiviral Stockpile Participating Pharmacies
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CONSENT INFORMATION
Letter from MDCHD'S Chief Physician to Parents / Guardians Regarding Children and 2009 H1N1 Influenza
Letter from Administrator Lillian Rivera regarding the 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Consent Forms
Carta del Director Médico de MDCHD sobre el Formulario de Consentimiento de la Vacuna contra la Influenza H1N1
2009 H1N1 INFLUENZA VACCINE CONSENT FORM - IM or Intranasal (For Children)
2009 H1N1 INFLUENZA VACCINE CONSENT FORM - IM Only (For Adults)
2009 H1N1 INFLUENZA VACCINE CONSENT FORM - IM Only (For Children)
FORMULARIO DE CONSENTIMIENTO PARA LA VACUNA CONTRA LA GRIPE H1N1 - Sólo IM (Niños)
FORMULARIO DE CONSENTIMIENTO PARA LA VACUNA CONTRA LA GRIPE H1N1 - Sólo IM - (Adultos)
FORMULARIO DE CONSENTIMIENTO PARA LA VACUNA CONTRA LA GRIPE H1N1 - IM o Intranasal (Para Escuelas)
Letter from MDCHD'S Chief Physician to Parents / Guardians Regarding Children and 2009 H1N1 Influenza (Creole)
FOM KONSANTMAN VAKSINASYON POU LAGRIP H1N1 POU LANE 2009
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2009 H1N1 INFLUENZA VACCINE ("flu shot") - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
2009 H1N1 INFLUENZA VACCINE (nasal spray vaccine) - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
LETTER TO PARENTS REGARDING 2009 H1N1
LETTER FROM MDCHD'S ADMINISTRATOR LILLIAN RIVERA TO EMPLOYERS
IN MIAMI-DADE
REGARDING 2009 H1N1 INFLUENZA
LETTER FROM ADMINISTRATOR LILLIAN RIVERA TO THE COMMUNITY AND FAITH
LEADERS IN MIAMI-DADE REGARDING 2009 H1N1 INFLUENZA
LETTER FROM MDCHD'S ADMINISTRATOR LILLIAN RIVERA TO INSTITUTIONS
OF HIGHER EDUCATION REGARDING 2009 H1N1 INFLUENZA
LETTER FROM MDCHD'S CHIEF PHYSICIAN TO PARENTS/GUARDIANS REGARDING CHILDREN AND 2009 H1N1 INFLUENZA
PROPER CLEANING AND DISINFECTING OF SURFACES FOR NON CLINICAL SETTINGS
WORRIED ABOUT 2009 H1N1 INFLUENZA? - WHAT YOU SHOULD DO (Updated 10/02/09)
2009 H1N1 Influenza
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
General H1N1 Q & A
General H1N1 - Spanish Version
Information for Concerned Parents and Caregivers
Taking Care of a Sick Person in Your Home
Information for Child Care Providers
INFORMATION FOR BUSINESSES
Businesses and H1N1 Influenza
Business and H1N1 Influenza - Spanish Version
General H1N1 Influenza Q & A - Spanish Version
2009 H1N1 Influenza - Questions & Answers
Novel H1N1 Flu
What is novel H1N1?
Novel H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. Other countries, including Mexico and Canada, have reported people sick with this new virus.
Why is novel H1N1 virus sometimes called “swine flu”?
This virus was originally referred to as “swine flu” because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs in North America. But further study has shown that this new virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs. It has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia and avian genes and human genes. Scientists call this a "quadruple reassortant" virus.
Novel H1N1 Flu in Humans
Are there human infections with novel H1N1 virus in the U.S.?
Yes. Cases of human infection with novel H1N1 influenza virus were first confirmed in the U.S. The outbreak intensified rapidly from that time and more and more states have been reporting cases of illness from this virus.
Is novel H1N1 virus contagious?
The virus is spread from person-to-person. It is transmitted as easily as the normal seasonal flu and can be passed to other people by exposure to infected droplets expelled by coughing or sneezing that can be inhaled, or that can contaminate hands or surfaces. However, at this time, it is not known how easily the virus spreads between people.
What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in people?
The symptoms of novel H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue and sometimes diarrhea and vomiting.
How severe is illness associated with novel H1N1 flu virus?
It’s not known at this time how severe novel H1N1 flu virus will be in the general population. In seasonal flu, there are certain people that are at higher risk of serious flu-related complications. This includes people 65 years and older, children younger than five years old, pregnant women, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions. Early indications are that pregnancy and other previously recognized medical conditions that increase the risk of influenza-related complications, like asthma and diabetes, also appear to be associated with increased risk of complications from novel H1N1 virus infection as well.
How does novel H1N1 flu compare to seasonal flu in terms of its severity and infection rates?
At this time, there is not enough information to predict how severe novel H1N1 flu outbreak will be in terms of illness and death or how it will compare with seasonal influenza.
With seasonal flu, we know that seasons vary in terms of timing, duration and severity. Seasonal influenza can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Each year, in the United States, on average 36,000 people die from flu-related complications and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related causes. Of those hospitalized, 20,000 are children younger than 5 years old. Over 90% of deaths and about 60 percent of hospitalization occur in people older than 65.
So far, with novel H1N1 flu, the largest number of novel H1N1 flu confirmed and probable cases have occurred in people between the ages of 5 and 24-years-old. At this time, there are few cases and no deaths reported in people older than 64 years old, which is unusual when compared with seasonal flu. However, pregnancy and other previously recognized high risk medical conditions from seasonal influenza appear to be associated with increased risk of complications from this novel H1N1.
How does novel H1N1 virus spread?
Spread of novel H1N1 virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
How long can an infected person spread this virus to others?
At the current time, CDC believes that this virus has the same properties in terms of spread as seasonal flu viruses. With seasonal flu, studies have shown that people may be contagious from one day before they develop symptoms to up to 7 days after they get sick. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods. CDC is studying the virus and its capabilities to try to learn more and will provide more information as it becomes available.
Can I get infected with novel H1N1 virus from eating or preparing pork?
No. Novel H1N1 viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get infected with novel HIN1 virus from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.
Is there a risk from drinking water?
Tap water that has been treated by conventional disinfection processes does not likely pose a risk for transmission of influenza viruses. Current drinking water treatment regulations provide a high degree of protection from viruses. No research has been completed on the susceptibility of novel H1N1 flu virus to conventional drinking water treatment processes. To date, there have been no documented human cases of influenza caused by exposure to influenza-contaminated drinking water.
Can novel H1N1 flu virus be spread through water in swimming pools, spas, water parks, interactive fountains, and other treated recreational water venues?
Influenza viruses infect the human upper respiratory tract. There has never been a documented case of influenza virus infection associated with water exposure. Recreational water that has been treated at CDC recommended disinfectant levels does not likely pose a risk for transmission of influenza viruses. No research has been completed on the susceptibility of novel H1N1 influenza virus to chlorine and other disinfectants used in swimming pools, spas, water parks, interactive fountains, and other treated recreational venues.
Prevention & Treatment
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against novel H1N1 virus. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza.
Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
- 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 cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- Stay home if you are sick for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.
Other important actions that you can take are:
- Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
- Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so; a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand rubs, tissues and other related items might could be useful and help avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious.
What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?
If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. If you are sick, stay home for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.
If I have a family member at home who is sick with novel H1N1 flu, should I go to work?
Employees who are well but who have an ill family member at home with novel H1N1 flu can go to work as usual. These employees should monitor their health every day, and take everyday precautions including washing their hands often with soap and water, especially after they cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. If they become ill, they should notify their supervisor and stay home. Employees who have an underlying medical condition or who are pregnant should call their health care provider for advice, because they might need to receive influenza antiviral drugs to prevent illness. For more information please see General Business and Workplace Guidance for the Prevention of Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Flu in Workers.
What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. CDC recommends that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.
What should I do if I get sick?
If you live in areas where people have been identified with novel H1N1 flu and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people. Staying at home means that you should not leave your home except to seek medical care. This means avoiding normal activities, including work, school, travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings
If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed
If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish or gray skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Are there medicines to treat novel H1N1 infection?
Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with novel H1N1 flu virus. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaled powder) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. During the current outbreak, the priority use for influenza antiviral drugs during is to treat severe influenza illness.
Contamination & Cleaning
How long can influenza virus remain viable on objects (such as books and doorknobs)?
Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for up to 2-8 hours after being deposited on the surface.
What kills influenza virus?
Influenza virus is destroyed by heat (167-212°F [75-100°C]). In addition, several chemical germicides, including chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soap), iodophors (iodine-based antiseptics), and alcohols are effective against human influenza viruses if used in proper concentration for a sufficient length of time. For example, wipes or gels with alcohol in them can be used to clean hands. The gels should be rubbed into hands until they are dry.
What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk, for example, and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.
How should waste disposal be handled to prevent the spread of influenza virus?
To prevent the spread of influenza virus, it is recommended that tissues and other disposable items used by an infected person be thrown in the trash. Additionally, persons should wash their hands with soap and water after touching used tissues and similar waste.
How should linens, eating utensils and dishes of persons infected with influenza virus be handled?
Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but importantly these items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first.
Linens (such as bed sheets and towels) should be washed by using household laundry soap and tumbled dry on a hot setting. Individuals should avoid “hugging” laundry prior to washing it to prevent contaminating themselves. Individuals should wash their hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub immediately after handling dirty laundry.
Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap.
General Business and Workplace Guidance for the Prevention of H1N1 Flu in Workers
The guidance in this document may change as additional information about pandemic influenza A (H1N1) becomes known. Please check the website periodically for updated guidance.
Symptoms of Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Flu
The symptoms of this pandemic influenza A (H1N1) flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.
Prevention of Illness in Well Employees
Spread of this pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their eyes, mouth, or nose.
What can employers do to protect employees?
- Encourage sick workers to stay home and away from the workplace, and provide flexible leave policies.
- Encourage infection control practices in the workplace by displaying posters that address and remind workers about proper hand washing, respiratory hygiene, and cough etiquette.
- Provide written guidance (email, etc.) on pandemic influenza A (H1N1) flu appropriate for the language and literacy levels of everyone in the workplace. Employers should work closely with local and state public health officials to ensure they are providing the most appropriate and up-to-date information (e.g., the CDC H1N1 Flu website).
- Provide sufficient facilities for hand washing and alcohol-based (at least 60%) hand sanitizers (or wipes) in common workplace areas such as lobbies, corridors, and restrooms.
- Provide tissues, disinfectants, and disposable towels for employees to clean their work surfaces, as well as appropriate disposal receptacles for use by employees.
What can employees do to reduce the spread of novel influenza A (H1N1) flu in the workplace?
- Stay home if you are sick. If you have symptoms of influenza-like illness, stay home for 7 days after symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. Following these recommendations will help keep you from infecting others and spreading the virus.
- Employees who are well but who have an ill family member at home with pandemic H1N1 flu can go to work as usual. These employees should monitor their health every day, notify their supervisor and stay home if they become ill. Employees who have an underlying medical condition or who are pregnant should call their health care provider for advice, because they might need to receive influenza antiviral drugs to prevent illness.
- 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 be used if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Avoid close contact with sick people. If an employee suspects that they have been exposed to a sick person with pandemic H1N1 influenza they may continue to go to work as usual. These employees should monitor their health every day and should notify their supervisor and stay home if they become ill
INFORMATION FOR BUSINESSES
How to Respond to the Impact of Novel H1N1 Flu on Businesses Operations and Employees
What businesses can do to anticipate and respond to the impact of novel influenza A (H1N1) flu on operations
- Identify a workplace coordinator who will be responsible for dealing with pandemic influenza A (H1N1) flu issues and impact at the workplace, including contacting local health department and health care providers in advance and developing and implementing protocols for response to ill individuals.
- Determine who will be responsible for responding to ill individuals in the workplace, either through an established health clinic or as a first aid duty.
- Share your plans with employees and clearly communicate expectations.
- Review interim recommendations for facemask and respirator use in non-health care settings.
- Identify essential employees, essential business functions, and other critical inputs (e.g. raw materials, suppliers, subcontractor services/products, and logistics) required to maintain business operations by location and function should there be disruptions during the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) flu outbreak.
- Implement business continuity plans if there is significant absenteeism in the workplace during this outbreak.
- Review your plan with regard to increases or decreases in demand for your products and/or services during the outbreak (e.g., the need for hygiene supplies).
- Review the CDC travel-related websites for up-to-date information and communicate these recommendations to employees who may have upcoming business-related travel.
- Establish an emergency communications plan. This plan includes identification of key contacts (with back-ups), chain of communications (including suppliers and customers), and processes for tracking and communicating business and employee status.
- Develop platforms (e.g., hotlines, dedicated websites) for communicating pandemic influenza A (H1N1) flu status and actions to employees, vendors, suppliers, and customers inside and outside the worksite in a consistent and timely way, including redundancies in the emergency contact system.
What businesses can do to anticipate and respond to the impact of novel influenza A (H1N1) on employees
- Examine policies for leave and employee compensation and review with managers, supervisors, and employees so they are up-to-date on sick leave policies, leave donation, and employee assistance services that are covered under the different employee-sponsored health plans. Leave policies should be flexible and non-punitive.
- Plan for the possibility of unscheduled leave that encourages employees who are sick to stay at home to care for themselves and others who are ill with the flu or children dismissed from school.
- Establish policies for flexible worksite (e.g., telecommuting) and flexible work hours (e.g., staggered shifts), if needed.
- Communicate policies for employee access to, and availability of, health care, mental health, and social services including corporate and community resources.
Management of Employee Exposure in the Workplace after a Confirmed Case of Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Flu
What to do when an employee comes to work with influenza-like illness symptoms in a community where novel influenza A (H1N1) virus is circulating
- Notify appropriate health center or first aid personnel.
- Place the employee in a room by him- or herself.
- If the employee needs to go into a common area, he or she should cover coughs/sneezes with a tissue or wear a facemask if available and tolerable.
- Notify the employee’s supervisor or employer.
- Send the employee home as soon as possible.
- Call for emergency medical services if the ill person develops any of the emergency warning signs. See What to Do If You Get Flu-Like Symptoms to review emergency warning signs and for more information on what employees should do if they become sick.
- Ensure the ill employee stays home for 7 days after symptom onset or until symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer.
- For recommendations on facemask and respirator use for the person assisting the ill employee see Interim Recommendations for Facemask and Respirator Use to Reduce Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Transmission.
What to do for co-workers of an employee who is a suspected or confirmed case of novel influenza A (H1N1) flu
- Inform the employees of their exposure to a co-worker with confirmed, probable, or suspected pandemic H1N1 flu during the ill person’s infectious period.
- Have the employees monitor themselves for symptoms.
- Advise employees to check with their health care provider about any special care they might need if they are pregnant or have a chronic health condition such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, or emphysema.
What to do for an employee with confirmed novel influenza A (H1N1) flu while he or she is on travel status
- Notify his or her supervisor or employer if an employee becomes ill on travel or temporary assignment.
- If outside the U.S., contact medical provider or overseas medical assistance companies to assist in finding an appropriate medical provider in that country, if needed. A U.S. consular officer can help locate medical services. Take note that U.S. embassies, consulates, and military facilities do not have the legal authority, capability, and resources to evacuate or to give medications, vaccines, or medical care to private U.S. citizens overseas.
- See Novel H1N1 Flu and Travel for more information for travelers.
Considerations for Pregnant Employees with Suspected Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Flu
Pregnant women are known to be at higher risk for seasonal influenza complications. They might also be at higher risk for pandemic H1N1 influenza complications. Pregnant women with flu-like symptoms should contact their health care provider. For more information, please visit What Pregnant Women Should Know About H1N1 Virus
LETTER FROM MDCHD'S ADMINISTRATOR LILLIAN RIVERA TO EMPLOYERS
IN MIAMI-DADE
REGARDING THE H1N1 VIRUS (SWINE INFLUENZA)
WORRIED ABOUT H1N1 SWINE FLU? - WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
For cases in Miami-Dade, click here
For general updates please click here
Things you can do to prevent the H1N1 virus
Tamiflu Use for Patients and Parents - Fact Sheet
For Frequently Asked Questions about Swine Influenza, please click here
Resources
Florida Department of Health information line - 800-775-8039
CDC information line: 1-800-232-4636, or TTY 1-888-232-6348.
Línea de información del Departamento de Salud de la Florida - 800-775-8039.
Línea de información de CDC
- 800-232-4636, ó TTY 888-232-6348.
