Novel H1N1 Influenza A (Swine Flu)
Local Metro Health Hotline: (210) 207-5779
NEW HOURS: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday- Friday
What is Novel H1N1 Influenza A?
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 throughout the nation and 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, a number of people who have contracted novel H1N1 have required hospitalization. And, the virus has led to hundreds of deaths here in the U.S., especially for people with underlying health conditions, including pregnancy.
Tracking of Novel H1N1 Influenza A
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 are being continuously updated. So, it is important that you stay informed. We all must work together to protect our community by doing what we can to prevent and reduce the spread of H1N1.
Due to the widespread national prevalence of novel H1N1 influenza, the Centers for Disese Control and Prevention (CDC) officially shifted its focus in July 2009 from counting individual confirmed or suspected cases to monitoring hospitalized cases to track the severity of illness. The CDC recommended that all states and local public health agencies do the same. To be consistent with national and state guidelines, Metro Health is no longer recommending testing of all cases of novel H1N1 and is currently tracking hospitalized cases and deaths in our community associated with novel H1N1 infections. Metro Health is also continuing to monitor other forms of surveillance, including emergency room visits for influenza-like illness and active communication with schools and hospitals.
Preventive Measures
Metro Health encourages the community to take preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of illness and the spread of any type of respiratory infection (including seasonal flu and novel H1N1 influenza). Those measures include: remaining home when ill; washing your hands thoroughly and often; covering your cough and sneeze with a tissue (throw away immediately) or the inside of your elbow or sleeve (not your hands); avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth (germs on your hands enter your body this way); and avoiding close contact with sick people.
Vaccine for Novel H1N1 Influenza A
A vaccine to protect against novel H1N1 influenza is now being distributed to health departments and providers throughout the country. Metro Health has not yet received an adequate supply to begin a community vaccination effort or to be able to offer the vaccine in our clinics. Please continue to check back here for the latest updates on when community vaccination efforts are expected to begin.
For the latest CDC information available on the H1N1 influenza vaccine, click here.
For an explanation on why the vaccine is not available in abundant supply yet, watch this CDC video.
General Information:
NEW - Listen: H1N1 Flu and You Podcast with Director of Health Dr. Fernando A. Guerra
Novel H1N1 Influenza A Fact Sheet - September 2009
ImmTrac Reporting Processes for 2009 H1N1 Vaccine
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 - Spring 2009
Guidance for Residents:
Action Steps for Parents if Children are Sick and Must Stay Home - (CDC)Guidance for San Antonio and Bexar County Residents - October 9, 2009 (English)
Guia para residentes de San Antonio y el Condado de Bexar - (Espanol)
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, Childcare, and Educational Institutions:
Vaccination Clinic Reference Guide - November 2009
Guidance for Bexar County Childcare Facilities - Sep 29, 2009
Guidance for Bexar County Schools - Sep 16, 2009
Update for Schools (K – 12), Childcare Programs, Colleges and Universities: CDC - August 7, 2009
Toolkit for Schools (CDC)
Resources for Child Care and Early Childhood Programs (CDC)
Guidance for Institutions of Higher Learning (CDC)
Toolkit for Institutions of Higher Learning (CDC)
Guidance for Businesses:
Guidance for Business within San Antonio and Bexar County - May 1, 2009
Guidance for Businesses (CDC)
Toolkit for Businesses (CDC)
Guidance for Healthcare Professionals:
NEW - Recommendations for Vaccinating Postpartum Women (pdf)
NEW - Recommendations for the Use of Antivirals and the Management of Influenza in Children (CDC)
NEW - Triage Algorithm for Children with Influenza-like Illness (CDC - pdf)
NEW - H1N1 Vaccine: Clinician Questions and Answers (CDC)
NEW - H1N1 Nasal Spray Vaccine: Questions and Answers (CDC)
Guidance for Clinicians: Vaccine Registration - Sep 3, 2009
Novel H1N1 Vaccine Registration and Ordering Instructions (DSHS)
Guidance for Faith-based Community:
NEW - Guidance for Faith-based Community - October 8, 2009For 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
Podcasts and Public Service Announcements (PSAs) |
| Director of Health Dr. Fernando Guerra talks about H1N1 Flu and You |
| 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: November 5, 2009
