Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus (Swine Flu)
Novel Influenza A (H1N1) virus (also referred to as "pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus" or "swine flu") is a type of influenza (flu) virus that causes respiratory disease that can spread between people. Most people infected with this virus in the United States have had mild disease, but some have had more severe illness. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6 in response to the ongoing global spread of the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus. Since the WHO declaration of a pandemic, the new H1N1 virus has continued to spread, with the number of countries reporting cases of novel H1N1 nearly doubling. The Southern Hemisphere’s regular influenza season has begun and countries there are reporting that the new H1N1 virus is spreading and causing illness along with regular seasonal influenza viruses. In the United States, significant novel H1N1 illness has continued into the summer, with localized and in some cases intense outbreaks occurring.
Symptoms: The symptoms of novel influenza A (H1N1) virus in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with novel influenza A (H1N1) virus. If you are sick or think you have novel influenza A (H1N1) virus infection, please contact your healthcare provider.
Prevention Tips: What you can do to help prevent influenza and protect yourself from becoming sick.
Questions: If you have additional questions you can call the CDPH novel influenza A (H1N1) virus (Swine Flu) Hotline at 1-888-865-0564, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, or contact your local health department.
Vaccine: Novel H1N1 Vaccination Information and Recommendations
CalPanFlu.org is California’s H1N1 Vaccine Website (Site will be activated September 1): The 2009 Influenza A (H1N1) influenza vaccine is being made available in California through the California Department of Public Health in partnership with local health departments. Healthcare providers and organizations interested in providing this vaccine can pre-register to receive vaccine, place their initial vaccine request, and report doses used through this site. The 2009 Influenza A (H1N1) influenza vaccine cannot be ordered through private organizations.
More Info: More information about novel influenza A (H1N1) virus is available below including information and resources for specific groups.
What's New
Reported Hospitalized, ICU, and Fatal Cases of Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Influenza Virus Infections in California, as of August 25, 2009:
1528 hospitalizations, ICU cases, and deaths
128 deaths
Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus - Data and Statistics
CDPH News and Updates