2009 H1N1 FLU

Information for Veterans and VA Staff

OCTOBER 21, 2009

Like seasonal flu, the 2009 H1N1 flu is a respiratory illness 

caused by a flu virus. The Centers for Disease Control and 

Prevention (CDC) has determined that 2009 H1N1 flu 

is contagious and is spreading from human to human. Because the 2009 H1N1 virus is new and 

spreads easily, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared it to be a pandemic.

What is the 2009 H1N1 flu?

Photo credit: CDC

How does the 2009 H1N1 flu spread?

The 2009 H1N1 flu is thought to spread in the same way as seasonal flu. 

When a person with the flu sneezes, coughs, talks, laughs, or even breathes, the flu virus can spread 

into the air in droplets from their mouth or nose. These droplets can spread to people and surfaces.

The flu virus may get on your hands if you touch anything that has the virus on it. If you then touch 

your eyes, nose, or mouth, you may get the flu.

What are the signs and symptoms in people?

The symptoms of the 2009 H1N1 flu are similar to the symptoms people have from seasonal flu. 

These are:

• fever

• cough

• sore throat

• body aches

• headache

• chills

• fatigue

• with the 2009 H1N1 flu, 

some people may have 

diarrhea and vomiting

How can someone with the flu infect someone else?

People with the flu may be able to infect others from 1 day before symptoms develop to 7 or more 

days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before

you know you are sick, while you are sick, and for a short while afterwards. 

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 WHAT YOU CAN DO

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, 

especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcoholbased hand cleaners are also effective.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when 

you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash 

after you use it (then clean your hands).

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, 

or mouth. Germs spread this way.

• Keep yourself in good general 

health — get plenty of sleep, be 

physically active, manage your 

stress, drink plenty of fluids, and 

eat healthy food.

• Avoid close contact with sick people 

when you can.

• Be prepared in case you get sick and need to 

stay home for a week or so. Gather a supply of 

medications, alcohol-based hand rubs, tissues,

and other related items. Having these supplies 

handy helps you avoid leaving your home while 

you are sick and contagious.

• If you get sick with flu, CDC recommends that 

you stay home from work or school for at least 

24 hours after your fever is gone.* 

Limit contact with others to keep 

from infecting them. 

• Keep informed about the 2009 H1N1 

flu in your community — note school 

or workplace closings or restrictions 

on social gatherings.

• Get both your seasonal flu shot and 

the 2009 H1N1 flu shot.

* Health care workers who develop a febrile respiratory illness may 

need to stay home longer or change work duties. For details see 

www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidelines_infection_control.htm.

Is there a vaccine for the 2009 H1N1 flu?

Yes. A vaccine to protect against the 2009 H1N1 flu has been made. Some supplies were 

distributed in October and will continue for the next few months. High-risk groups should 

get the 2009 H1N1 flu shot first. Then, as more vaccine is made, anyone who wants a 2009 

H1N1 flu shot will be able to get one. To see who is in a high-risk group, go to 

www.flu.gov/individualfamily/vaccination/index.html#priority.

VA will provide the 2009 H1N1 flu shots to VA staff, Veterans enrolled in VA health care, and some 

non-VA Federal health and emergency workers. These shots will be available in your community as 

well. Getting your seasonal flu shot will help protect you from seasonal flu. Getting the 2009 H1N1 

flu shot will help protect you from the 2009 H1N1 flu. You need both shots to be protected.

Where can I find more information?

Main U.S. Federal Web sites are www.flu.gov and www.cdc.gov/h1n1

VA Internet is www.publichealth.va.gov

VA intranet, for VA staff only, is vaww.publichealth.va.gov

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Office of Public Health and Environmental Hazards (13)

810 Vermont Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20420

www.publichealth.va.gov

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