H1N1 Influenza Resources

General Information About Influenza

Minnesota Fluline offers information and treatment options 24/7. If you have questions or concerns, call 1-866-259-4655. The CDC offers detailed information about H1N1, including the latest on the spread of the virus. Click here to view CDC's information. Flu.gov also offers up-to-date information on the virus, prevention tips and treatment information. Other Helpful Links Minnesota Department of Health Mayo Clinic

Flu refers to illnesses caused by a number of different influenza viruses. Flu can cause a range of symptoms and effects, from mild to deadly.

Two strains of flu, seasonal flu and the H1N1 (swine) flu, are currently circulating in the United States. 

The H1N1 flu virus may cause a more dangerous flu season with a lot more people getting sick, being hospitalized and dying than during a regular flu season. H1N1 is a new virus first seen in the United States. It is contagious and spreads from person to person. Like seasonal flu, illness in people with H1N1 can vary from mild to severe.

Flu symptoms may include fever, coughing, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, body aches, chills and fatigue. In H1N1 flu infection, vomiting and diarrhea may also occur.

Most healthy people recover from the flu without problems, but certain people are at high risk for serious complications.

A flu pandemic occurs when a new influenza A virus emerges for which there is little or no immunity in the human population; the virus causes serious illness and spreads easily from person-to-person worldwide. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that a global pandemic of H1N1 flu is underway.

Since the virus surfaced, Lake City Medical Center - Mayo Health System (LCMC), through its affiliation with Mayo Clinic, has been in regular contact with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Department and Health and Human Services, and the Department of Homeland Security. 

LCMC continues to monitor the situation and coordinate its efforts with Mayo Clinic and the above mentioned outside agencies. 

About H1N1 Influenza

What is it?
A respiratory illness caused by a virus. H1N1 is a certain kind of influenza that can cause infection in humans.

What are the signs and symptoms?
The symptoms are similar to seasonal flu and include fever (above 100°F), cough, sore throat, stuffy nose and in some cases diarrhea and vomiting.

How does H1N1 influenza spread?
Influenza spreads whena  person with flu coughs or sneezes. Touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth can also spread the virus. 

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

• Clean your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick, if possible.
• Stay healthy: eat nutritious foods, get enough sleep, and exercise.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue every time you cough or sneeze. Throw the used tissue in the waste basket.
• If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve.

What should I do if I get sick?
If you become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, and stuffy nose, you should:

• Stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.
• Call the Minnesota Fluline (1-866-259-4655) or your health care provider to determine if you need whether influenza testing or treatment