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1-800-445-5830Berkeley Lab Pandemic Flu Information Site

Frequently Asked Questions

What is H1N1?

H1N1 (formerly called “swine flu”) is a new influenza virus first detected in the United States in April 2009. The virus is spreading person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread, and is now being detected worldwide. H1N1 has been called swine flu because it has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia, but the virus also has avian genes and human genes. Scientists call this a "quadruple reassortant" virus.

What is a Flu Pandemic?

Pandemic Flu is a world-wide outbreak of flu that occurs when a new form of flu virus infects humans and is easily spread from person-to-person. Because a pandemic flu virus is unique, people have no immunity or resistance to it. Three prior flu pandemics occurred in the 20th century, in 1918 ("Spanish Flu"), 1957 ("Asian Flu"), and 1968 ("Hong Kong Flu").

What steps will the Lab take in the event of a Pandemic?

The Lab has implemented a pandemic action plan which outlines steps that will be taken depending on the severity of H1N1 in local counties and communities. The plan integratesactions by state and local agencies, Lab leadership, the Emergency Operations Command Center, EH&S, and Human Resources to provide guidance to employees about what steps will be necessary to safeguard their health.

How will reduced operations at the Lab affect me?

Lab Management, with the help of the Human Resources Department, has developed policies and guidelines for employees in the event of illness or impaired operations at the Lab. Go here for a description of the policies.

What Preventative measures can I take to avoid getting the flu?

Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. Take everyday precautions to stay healthy.

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
  • Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
  • Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
  • Avoid nonessential travel to areas with high rates of transmission.

What are the symptoms of swine flu?

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human season flu and may include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, and in some cases diarrhea and vomiting.

In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may make underlying chronic medical conditions worse.

What should I do if I become sick?

Employees must contact Health Services (x6266 or e-mail) if they or an immediate family member experience flu-like illness, or return to work after illness or from travel in an affected country. Supervisors who send staff home for flu-like illness must also contact Health Services.

Are there medicines to treat swine flu?

Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) with activity against influenza viruses, including swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs can be used to treat swine flu or to prevent infection with swine flu viruses. These medications must be prescribed by a health care professional.

How does novel H1N1 flu compare to seasonal flu in terms of its severity and infection rates?

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is still learning about the severity of the novel H1N1 flu virus. At this time, there is not enough information to predict how severe this novel H1N1 flu outbreak will be in terms of illness and death or how it will compare with seasonal influenza. An updated case count of confirmed novel H1N1 flu infections in the United can be found here. CDC and local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation.
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/investigation.htm.

How long can an infected person spread this virus to others?

At the current time, CDC believes that this virus has the same properties in terms of spread as seasonal flu viruses. With seasonal flu, studies have shown that people may be contagious from one day before they develop symptoms to up to 7 days after they get sick.  Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods. CDC is studying the virus and its capabilities to try to learn more and will provide more information as it becomes available.