H1N1 Influenza A (Swine Flu)
Local Metro Health Hotline: (210) 207-5779
NEW HOURS: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday- Friday
H1N1 Influenza A (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. Novel H1N1is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. The virus has now spread globally into countries in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres. H1N1 is spreading from person-to-person, similar to how regular seasonal influenza viruses spread, and has been determined to be contagious. Although the vast majority of illness has been mild, H1N1 can have severe, and even fatal, consequences for people with underlying health conditions.
Metro Health continues to work with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to investigate and monitor this novel virus. As national, state, and local health officials learn more about the virus and the illness it produces, recommendations and guidance is updated. So, it is important that you stay informed. We all must work together to protect our community by preventing and reducing the spread of H1N1.
Metro Health encourages the community to stay vigilant as the school year gets underway and into the regular influenza season this fall by continuing preventive measures to limit the spread of the H1N1 virus.
General Information:
What's NEW - Latest Information on the H1N1 Influenza A (Swine Flu) Investigation (CDC)
Investigation information as well as guidance for community members, healthcare providers, and other special interests plus travel recommendations, key facts, podcasts and Twitter feeds
General Information about H1N1 Influenza A (Swine Flu) - (CDC)
Questions and answers and guidance for treatment and infection control
Download Cover your Cough Flyers/Posters
Posters and flyers available in multiple languages on the correct way to prevent the spread of germs (Courtesy: Minnesota Department of Health)
Photo Gallery of Metro Health and partners at the Regional Medical Operations Center and the Metro Health team investigating H1N1 Influenza A (swine flu) at the laboratory.
Guidance for Residents:
Guidance for San Antonio and Bexar County Residents - May 1, 2009 (English)Guia para residentes de San Antonio y el Condado de Bexar - Mayo 1, 2009 (Español)
What pregnant women should know about H1N1 (swine flu) - (CDC)
Guidance for working pregnant women - (CDC)
What to do if you get flu-like symptoms - (CDC)
Caring for someone with the H1N1 Influenza A (swine flu) - (CDC)
Bexar County residents seeking healthcare
If you are a Bexar County resident who is experiencing flu-like symptoms and do not have healthcare insurance, click the link above for a list of clinics you can call to speak to a healthcare professional about your condition and arrange an appointment, if necessary.
Guidance for Schools:
Update for Schools (K – 12), Childcare Programs, Colleges and Universities: CDC - August 7,, 2009
Guidance for Businesses:
Guidance for business within San Antonio and Bexar County - May 1, 2009
Guidance for Healthcare Professionals:
H1N1 Influenza Update - June 24, 2009 (pdf)
Guidance for Bexar County Clinicians - Revised May 7, 2009 (pdf)
Laboratory Testing Protocol - May 7, 2009 (pdf)
Daily Influenza Surveillance Report - April 27, 2009 (pdf)
For Kids:
Learn How Germs Spread and the Immune System Works - play the Germinator! (Courtesy: PBS)
Latest News Releases:
San Antonio Metropolitan Health DistrictTexas Department of State Health Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Public Service Announcements (PSAs) |
| H1N1 Influenza A (Swine Flu) Preparedness |
| Community Planning for H1N1 Influenza A (Swine Flu) |
| Hygiene Habits to Help Fight H1N1 Influenza A (Swine Flu) |
*RMOC partners in the H1N1 Influenza A (swine flu) response: South Texas Regional Advisory Council, University Health System, Department of State Health Services - Region 8, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Methodist Healthcare System, Baptist Health System, CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Health Care, Angel Staffing
Last updated: August 21, 2009
