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H1N1 Flu

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The H1N1 Flu (2009 H1N1 influenza virus) is a type of influenza virus that causes respiratory disease that can spread between people. While most people who have been sick have recovered without needing medical treatment, hospitalizations and deaths from infection with this virus have occurred. Spread of H1N1 flu occurs 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, such as a surface or object, with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

Questions about H1N1 flu? You can call the CDPH H1N1 Flu Hotline at 1-888-865-0564 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed on Sundays and state holidays). You can hear recorded information 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For additional information and other questions, please contact your local health department. 

H1N1 Prevention iconPreventing Influenza

Symptoms: The symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with H1N1 flu. If you are sick or think you have H1N1 flu infection, please contact your healthcare provider and see this online guide for Caring for Someone Sick at Home.

Prevention: In addition to getting vaccinated for the seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu virus, all Californians should practice the following prevention steps: 

  • Wash your hands: Wash your hands often with soap and water.  Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
  • Cover your cough: Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and throw the tissue in the trash after use.
  • Stay home when you're sick: Stay home when you are sick and remain at home until at least 24 hours after you are free of fever.
  • For more information: see H1N1 Flu Prevention for detailed information about symptoms, prevention, care giving, and materials (such as posters and brochures).  

    H1N1 Vaccine iconGetting Vaccinated

    The H1N1 flu vaccine is arriving in increasing amounts, so now all Californians are encouraged to seek the H1N1 influenza vaccine. Please monitor information from your provider and local health department to find out where the H1N1 flu vaccine is available in your area. Cell phone users are now able to text the word "NO FLU" and their zip code to 30644 and receive vital flu-related information including alerts and the nearest vaccination location.

    For detailed information: see H1N1 Vaccine and Vaccination Locations for up-to-date information about the new H1N1 Flu vaccine, priority groups for vaccination, and locations where you can get vaccinated. The information contained in the Flu Vaccine Locator is furnished by those providing the vaccine. CDPH suggests you call ahead to ensure the accuracy of the information. 

    For health providers: visit CalPanFlu.org, California’s H1N1 Flu Vaccine Website, for vaccine pre-registration and ordering.

    H1N1 Health IconWhat's New

    H1N1 Flu Data and Statistics Update

    Reported Hospitalized, ICU, and Fatal Cases of 2009 H1N1 Influenza Virus Infections in California, as of January 30, 2010: (summary data is updated weekly, complete table with Local Health Jurisdiction data is updated monthly)

    Hospitalizations, ICU Cases,
    and Deaths

     Deaths

     8,641

     506

    Weekly Number of Hospitalized/Fatal 2009 H1N1 Influenza Cases in California by Week of Report, Week Ending April 28 – January 30, 2010 
  • H1N1 Flu - Data and Statistics (Current and historical data)
  • H1N1 Flu Graphs
  • Monthly Provisional Data Table - January 30, 2010 (PDF) Opens in a new browser window. - Reported by local health jurisdiction (next update will be in early March) 
  • CDPH Enhanced Surveillance for H1N1 (2009) Influenza Virus (PDF) Opens in a new browser window. - Week ending January 30, 2010 
  • Latest CDPH News, Guidances, and Health Alerts

    View all CDPH H1N1 Flu Guidances by Date or by Topic 

  • Guidance for Infection Control for 2009 H1N1 Influenza in Health Care Settings (PDF) Opens in a new browser window. - CDPH and Cal/OSHA Joint Statement, February 4 Updated
  • CDPH Guidance: 2009 H1N1 Influenza - Guidance on Case Definitions to be Used for Infection Control in California Health Care Settings (PDF) Opens in a new browser window. - February 4 Updated
  • CDPH Guidance: Infection Control Guidance for 2009 H1N1 Influenza for Hospitalized Patients (PDF) Opens in a new browser window. - February 4 Updated
  • CDPH Guidance: Infection Control Guidance for 2009 H1N1 Influenza in Long-Term Care Facilities (PDF) Opens in a new browser window. - February 4 Updated
  • CDPH Guidance: Infection Control Guidance for 2009 H1N1 Influenza in Outpatient Settings (PDF) Opens in a new browser window. - February 4 Updated
  • CDPH Guidance: Laboratory Testing and Reporting of 2009 H1N1 and Seasonal Influenza in the 2009-2010 Flu Season (PDF) Opens in a new browser window. - January 28 Updated
  • CDPH Guidance: Updated Interim Recommendations for the Use of Antiviral Medications in the Treatment and Prevention of Influenza for the 2009-2010 Season (PDF) Opens in a new browser window. - January 28 Updated
  • CDPH Guidance: 2009 H1N1 and Seasonal Influenza - Guidance for Reporting of Cases, Vaccine Adverse Events, and Outbreaks in the 2009-2010 Flu Season (PDF) Opens in a new browser window. - January 25 Updated
  • CDPH Guidance: 2009 H1N1 Influenza - Taking Care of a Sick Person in Your Home (PDF) Opens in a new browser window. - January 25 Updated
  • CDPH Guidance: Approval for Health Care Facility Use of Surge Tents (PDF) Opens in a new browser window. - January 20
  • CDPH Continues Innovative Outreach with Vaccine Locator Text Campaign - January 11
  • CDPH Launches Latest Campaign to Urge Californians to get the Flu Vaccine - January 7
  • Cal/OSHA Alert: State Recall of 3M 8000 Respirator Issued From Stockpile (PDF) Opens in a new browser window - January 5 Alert icon
  • Pandemic Influenza Training Module - Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
  • Latest CDC/FDA Guidances, Health Alerts, and Information

    View CDC H1N1 Flu Guidances by Date or by Topic

  • Question and Answers: Shortened Expiration Period for Sanofi Pasteur 2009 H1N1 Vaccine in Pre-filled Syringes - February 4
  • Sanofi Pasteur Monovalent 2009 (H1N1) Influenza Vaccine in Pre-Filled Syringes - Shortened Shelf Life of Certain Lots - February 2
  • Questions and Answers: Non-Safety-Related Voluntary Recall of Sanofi Pasteur 2009 H1N1 Flu Vaccine in Pre-filled Syringes - February 3
  • Non-Safety-Related Voluntary Recall of Unused Doses from Certain Lots of Sanofi Pasteur H1N1 Vaccine in Pre-Filled Syringes - January 29
  • Updated: Seasonal and 2009 H1N1 Flu Vaccines Questions and Answers for Businesses - January 27
  • Updated: Key Facts About 2009 H1N1 Flu Vaccine - January 27
  • Updated: Q&A Vaccine against 2009 H1N1 Influenza Virus - January 27
  • Guidance from Pediatric Stakeholders: A Coordinated Approach to Communicating Pediatric-related Information on Pandemic Influenza at the Community Level - January 27
  • MMWR: Interim Results -  Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccination Coverage - U.S., October-December 2009 - January 15
  • Updated CDC Estimates of 2009 H1N1 Cases, Hospitalizations and Deaths in the U.S., April - December 12, 2009 - January 15
  • Presidential Proclamation - National Influenza Vaccination Week - January 10-16
  • Letter from the Commissioner to Nation's Health Care Professionals on H1N1 Vaccine Safety - FDA, January 14
  • Q & A: Fraud and Abuse Related to 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine - January 13
  • Flu Information for People with Diabetes and Caregivers of People with Diabetes - January 6
  • Fact Sheet: Safety of Thimerosal in Vaccines Against 2009 H1N1 Flu - January 4
  • Continuous H1N1 Flu Updates from CDC, WHO, and Flu.gov

    H1N1 Influenza Updates in the U.S. (CDC)

    H1N1 Influenza Global Updates - World Health Organization (WHO)

    H1N1 Updates and Information (flu.gov)