How is the H1N1 influenza virus spread?
Like any flu virus, H1N1 is spread mainly through respiratory droplets that are released when an infected person coughs or sneezes. People in close proximity to the infected person (about 3 feet) can become infected if these droplets contact the mouth or nose. Influenza viruses may also spread when a person touches respiratory droplets on another person or object, and then touches his or her own mouth or nose. How long is a person with H1N1 flu contagious? The contagious period varies but is thought to be less than 7 days in most cases. The Health Department advises people with flu-like illness to stay home until their fever and symptoms completely resolve and they have felt well for 24 hours. What are the symptoms of H1N1 influenza? H1N1 influenza symptoms resemble those of seasonal flu: fever accompanied by cough, sore throat, fatigue, headache, body aches, lethargy, stuffy nose or chills. Some affected people have also reported diarrhea and vomiting.
