H1N1 Flu / Swine Flu

Whether on blogs or other social media, in the news or by word of mouth, there is a lot of information to find about H1N1 flu / swine flu. Tennessee has not been immune to H1N1 Flu. In recent months, the numbers of reported cases of H1N1 have steadily grown and so have the deaths from H1N1. It is predicted that as much as 30% of the population could be affected by H1N1. The good news is that most people that have contracted the virus are able to recover without medical treatment.

H1N1 is spread from person to person usually through coughing or sneezing. It is, however, possible to become infected by touching something that has flu viruses on it. Swine flu symptoms range from mild to severe and are similar to seasonal flu symptoms, which include sore throat, fever, cough, stuffy or runny nose, aches, headache, fatigue and/or chills. (Some people have reported vomiting or diarrhea.)

The FDA recently approved the H1N1 flu vaccines. To find out more about the vaccine, distribution and additional resources, visit the FDA's Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent page.

Here are some answers from the Knoxville Health Department to your H1N1 frequently asked questions.