Threats & Emergencies
H1N1 Novel Flu
A new and very different flu virus is spreading worldwide among people. Called novel or new H1N1 flu, this virus may cause more illness or more severe illness than usual. The Virginia Department of Health is closely monitoring the swine-origin H1N1 flu outbreak to keep Virginians informed. 
Flu is a serious contagious disease. Each year in the United States, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized and 36,000 people die from seasonal flu complications.
This flu season could be worse. There is a new and very different flu virus spreading worldwide among people called novel or new H1N1 flu. This virus may cause more illness or more severe illness than usual.
The Virginia Department of Health is closely monitoring the swine-origin H1N1 flu outbreak to keep Virginians informed on this rapidly evolving public health issue. If you have questions about H1N1 flu, VDH is operating a special Call Center during business hours. (Hours will be adjusted as needed to accommodate call volume). Call:
1-877-ASK-VDH3 (877-275-8343)
Flu-like symptoms include:
- fever (usually high)
- headache
- extreme tiredness
- dry cough
- runny or stuffy nose
- muscle ache
- sore throat
- vomiting
- sometimes diarrhea
What should you do?
- Vaccinate children and yourself for seasonal flu early. Be sure to also vaccinate your children and yourself against H1N1 flu when the vaccine becomes available in October.
- Monitor yourself and your child for flu-like symptoms, which include fever (over 100 degrees Fahrenheit), feverishness, cough or sore throat.
- If you suspect that you or your child is getting the flu, stay home from work and school and avoid contact with others so the virus does not spread.
- Plan now for your children’s care if you or they should become ill with the H1N1 virus. If this happens, you or your child might be asked to stay home from work or school for at least 24 hours after fever is over without the use of fever-reducing medicines. Talk to other family members, friends or neighbors about helping with child care or possibly sharing care. Consider now who might be able to pitch in and help you.
- Be sure to have a family plan that includes having adequate food and supplies on hand to decrease your need to be out in public if someone gets sick. [189 kb. pdf ]
- If symptoms worsen or cause concern, call your doctor’s office for advice before arriving there in person.
- Stay informed. Many resources are available to help you from the Virginia Department of Health, the Virginia Department of Education and the Centers for Disease Control.
Priority Groups for H1N1 Vaccine
- Pregnant women
- Household contacts and caregivers for infants younger than 6 months of age
- Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
- Persons 6 months through 24 years of age
- Persons 25-64 years of age who have medical conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza
H1N1 Vaccine FAQ's [16 KB PDF]
Additional Resources
In Spanish
Información general sobre la influenza H1N1 (gripe porcina)
It’s essential that you make a family plan. It’s free, it’s simple, and it will make a big difference. Start at the Ready Virginia homepage, where you can learn about three steps to prepare your family for all types of emergencies, including those that are weather- or health-related.
Get a kit. Make a plan. Stay informed.
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