Flu Frequently Asked Questions
Visit the Utah Department of Health’s Utah Flu Fighters site for more FAQs and information on the flu.

Is “swine flu” the same Pandemic H1N1 flu?
Yes. The flu was referred to early on as “swine flu,” but is now referred to as the Pandemic H1N1 flu. Despite its earlier name, neither contact with pigs nor eating pork has been linked to the spread of the flu.

Will the seasonal flu vaccine also protect against the Pandemic H1N1 influenza?
No. The seasonal influenza vaccine will not protect against the H1N1 influenza, and vice versa.

Where can I get vaccinated? Are there are restrictions on who can receive the vaccine?
The public can find flu vaccination clinics by visiting Utah’s vaccine locator at www.immunize-utah.org. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following groups receive the vaccine first:

• Pregnant women
• People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
• Health care and emergency medical services personnel with direct patient contact
• All people from 6 months through 24 years of age
• Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical problems from influenza

Once these groups get vaccinated, vaccination will begin for everyone between the ages of 25 to 64 years. Current studies indicate the risk for infection among persons age 65 or older is less than the risk for younger age groups. The vaccination program is voluntary.

How long can an infected person spread this virus to others?
People infected with seasonal and Pandemic H1N1 flu shed the virus through their nose and mouth secretions and may be able to infect others from one day before showing symptoms to five to seven days after. This can be longer in some people, especially children and people with weakened immune systems and in people infected with the H1N1 virus.

Should I avoid all contact with pigs or stop handling or eating pork?
The Pandemic H1N1 influenza virus is spread from person to person just like seasonal influenza. It is not spread from pigs to humans and you cannot get it from eating pork.

Top Prevention Tips to Stop the Spread
To stay healthy and to prevent the spread of the seasonal and Pandemic H1N1 viruses:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth
• Get vaccinated - Find out who should get vaccinated and where on the Utah Flu Fighters’ Web site
• Stay home from work or school when you are sick, and avoid going to public places (i.e., grocery stores, malls, etc.) until your fever have been gone for at least 24 hours without the assistance of fever-reducing medications.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Regularly clean and sanitize areas throughout the household that are often touched or used often by others (i.e., door handles, countertops, light switches, faucets, etc.)
• Practice other good health habits: Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food