H1N1 Flu

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.

Preventing 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).

Getting 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.

What'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