The CDC continues to take aggressive action to respond to an expanding outbreak caused by the H1N1 flu. CDC’s response goals are to:

1. Reduce transmission and illness severity, and
2. Provide information to help health care providers, public health officials and the public address the challenges posed by this emergency.

Common symptoms of H1N1 include fever, headache, tiredness, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, diarrhea, and vomiting. Nearly all persons with flu will have at least two of these symptoms. The high risk groups for the H1N1 flu are not known at this time but it’s possible that they may be the same as for seasonal influenza. People at higher risk of serious complications from seasonal flu include people age 65 years and older, children younger than 5 years old, pregnant women, people of any age with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), and people who are immunosuppressed (e.g., taking immunosuppressive medications, infected with HIV).

Those who are ill are recommended to delay international travel. Those who have developed symptoms following international travel are advised to seek medical attention, in line with guidance from national authorities. Individuals are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis.

Please continue to check AllOne Health's website, http://www.allonehealth.com/ , for updates to this situation. As experts in pandemic flu preparedness, AllOne Health can assist you with any questions you have about preparing your organization for a pandemic.

¹Source: Centers for Disease Control