Novel H1N1 influenza is a new virus that has been identified and is spreading in the United States and internationally. The virus is contagious. Most people who have become ill with this new virus have recovered without requiring medical treatment.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the H1N1 virus spreads the same way seasonal influenza viruses spread - mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people infected with the influenza virus. People may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
The symptoms of H1N1 flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal flu and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with H1N1 also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. While most people who have been sick have recovered without needing medical treatment, hospitalizations and deaths from infection with this virus have occurred.
Everyday actions you can take to stay healthy
Try to avoid close contact with sick people
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, August 2009