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Flu Update

UC Irvine Healthcare experts answer questions about the H1N1 swine influenza virus that is spreading across the state, nation and world.

Q: What is UC Irvine Healthcare doing about the outbreak?
Q: Are there cases of the H1N1 flu in Orange County?
Q: How contagious is this virus? How deadly is it?
Q: What should I do if I think I have the H1N1 flu?
Q: How long does it take to get the results from an influenza test?
Q: Are medications available to treat this flu virus?
Q: Where can I get the medications?
Q: Does my flu shot from last fall protect me? And should I get a flu shot if I haven't had one already?
Q: How does the H1N1 virus spread?
Q: Should I be wearing a mask?
Q: What should I do if I notice someone else with flu symptoms?
Q: How can I protect myself and my family from getting this flu?
Q: Can I get H1N1 swine flu from eating pork?

Q: What is UC Irvine Healthcare doing about the outbreak?

Other Resources Orange County flu facts California information National flu information Key facts about N1H1 swine flu Center for Disease control updates Media Information: UC Irvine expert available to discuss the flu outbreak

A: We are actively involved in monitoring the outbreak of the H1N1 (swine) flu virus here in Orange County. Our experts are in frequent contact with local, state and national health authorities. Because of our years of planning, we have extensive procedures in place to ensure the health and safety of our patients, visitors and employees, as well as the general community in the event of widespread cases.

If this flu outbreak becomes severe locally, we are prepared to provide care to large numbers of patients. We also recognize our valued role in our community as a provider of trauma, cardiac, stroke, burn and other types of specialty care, and are committed to continue to maintain our ability to keep providing these services to our community.

Q: Are there cases of the H1N1 flu in Orange County?

A: For the latest information about H1N1 flu cases in Orange County, please refer to the Orange County Health Care Agency Web site »

Q: How contagious is this virus? How deadly is it?

A: The H1N1 virus has clearly spread from person to person, but very few U.S. patients have been affected severely enough to be hospitalized. We continue to encourage frequent hand-washing and ask those who are ill to remain home from work.

At this time, there are indications that this flu virus acts much like the seasonal flu viruses we see every year, which can cause fever, body aches, cough, runny nose and a sore throat. Some people may experience vomiting or diarrhea, although this is less common. In general, influenza viruses are contagious and they result in death in about 1 in 200 cases.

Q: What should I do if I think I have the H1N1 flu?

A: Contact your doctor. If you are very sick, go to your local emergency department. However, if you are not very sick, you should stay home, follow your doctor’s advice and also avoid public places to prevent the spread of the flu. Be sure to contact your employer or school officials to let them know that you have the flu and are staying home. Your healthcare provider will determine whether influence testing or treatment is needed.

Q: How long does it take to get the results from an influenza test?

A: Initial test results are usually available within several hours after a test is performed. However, this will only indicate whether you have the general type of influenza, not whether it is the H1N1 flu. If physicians suspect it may be the H1N1 flu, specimens will be sent to a Public Health Laboratory facility for additional testing. It can take two to three days to get results.

Q: Are medications available to treat this flu virus?

A: Yes. Both oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) can be used to treat the H1N1 flu. These medications work best when started within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. They work by helping to limit the spread of flu virus in your body, making the overall illness milder and shorter.

Q: Where can I get the medications?

A: These medications are being provided to patients with a positive laboratory test for either HINI flu or seasonal flu. Your doctor can tell you how to get these medications.

Q: Does my flu shot from last fall protect me? And should I get a flu shot if I haven't had one already?

A: There is no vaccine against H1N1 flu at this time. However, cases of regular seasonal flu are still being found, and the flu vaccine will protect against seasonal flu.

Q: How does the H1N1 virus spread?

A: Flu viruses are spread mainly spread through close contact with infected people who are coughing or sneezing. It can also spread by touching someone with flu or something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

Q: Should I be wearing a mask?

A: There is no recommendation for the general public to wear a mask for protection. However, if you are coughing or sneezing and visit a healthcare provider, you will likely be given a mask to wear to protect others who are seeking medical care.

Q: What should I do if I notice someone else with flu symptoms?

A: Because the flu is spread by respiratory secretions, you should stay far enough away to avoid any droplets from a person who is coughing or sneezing, usually a distance of about six feet. If you are caring for someone who is ill, practice frequent hand-washing.

Q: How can I protect myself and my family from getting this flu?

A: Taking precautions can help keep you and your family healthy. Current recommendations include:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue away in the trash when you are done with it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after sneezing, coughing, or handling things which an infected person has also handled. Alcohol-based hand cleanser is also effective.
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth. These are the main places in which flu viruses enter the body.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you do get sick, stay home from work or school, and limit contact with other people (even in your home) to help keep them from getting sick.

Q: Can I get H1N1 flu from eating pork?

A: No. There is no evidence that eating pork can transmit the virus. This H1N1 flu virus is transmitted by respiratory secretions — not by food. However, uncooked pork, like all uncooked meat, may harbor bacteria and other organisms that can cause illness. Pork should always be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to kill these bacteria and other organisms.