Spread of Flu - FAQs:

• Is the rumor true that the novel H1N1 flu virus was created in a laboratory and it was accidentally released?
• What investigations are taking place about the H1N1 swine flu outbreak?
• How do you catch H1N1 (swine) flu? How is the flu spread?
• How long can an infected person spread H1N1 (swine) flu to others?
• How can someone with the flu infect someone else?
• Can people catch H1N1 (swine) flu from eating or preparing pork?
• Do pigs carry this virus and can I catch the H1N1 virus from a pig?
• Is there a risk of getting the flu from drinking water?
• Does breastfeeding protect babies from flu viruses?
• Should I stop breastfeeding my baby if I think I have come in contact with the flu?
• What should I do if I am pregnant and think I have the flu?
• Should contacts of people with weakened immune systems get the nasal-spray flu vaccine?
• Where can I find statistics on the flu outbreak?
• Do you have a sample policy statement for businesses who want to let folks know to stay home if they are sick?
• Who has the authority to enforce isolation and quarantine?
• How is isolation and quarantine enforced?
• How often has the Federal government used its isolation and quarantine powers?
• Is obesity considered an underlying medical condition placing people at higher risk of H1N1-related complications?
• What can child care/day care providers do to keep the flu from spreading?
• What is the incubation period of the H1N1 (swine) flu? How long will it take to get the flu after being exposed?
• How are flu hospitalizations and deaths tracked and reported this season?
• Can Lysol brand or other disinfectants protect against the flu virus?
• What are the rules for health care workers who have family members diagnosed with H1N1 or whose family members have tested positive by nasal swab?
• Can the new H1N1 flu virus be spread through water in swimming pools, spas, water parks, interactive fountains, and other treated recreational water venues?
• Can H1N1 influenza virus be spread at recreational water venues outside of the water?
• Can people get 2009 H1N1 flu virus by eating food products?
• What are the FDA requirements and recommendations for the food industry regarding workers who are sick?
• Do any pigs or swine in the United States have the H1N1 flu virus that has infected humans?
• What steps can I take to make sure that I prepare my food properly?
• Is USDA testing and monitoring to make sure swine are not infected with the virus and if so, how?
• How will the public be notified if the government finds H1N1 flu in a U.S. herd?
• What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?
• What kills influenza virus? What household cleaners kill the virus?
• What household cleaning should be done to prevent the spread of influenza virus?
• How should linens, eating utensils and dishes of persons infected with influenza virus be handled?
• What should I do if I get sick with flu like symptoms?
• What are the warning signs of serious illness? When should I seek emergency medical care?
• How long can a virus like novel H1N1 live on a surface outside its host?
• I have a serious lung disease. Will the pneumonia vaccine protect me from the flu?
• Does the United States plan to implement exit screening for travelers leaving the United States to prevent exporting novel H1N1 flu to other countries?
• What is the purpose of border entry screening during a flu pandemic?
• What is the purpose of exit screening at the border in a pandemic?
• Is there a possibility that countries with flu vaccine manufacturing plants might break US contracts and keep the vaccines for themselves and their people?
• What steps can businesses take to keep employees from getting sick, especially during a flu outbreak?
• How do I know if someone has the H1N1 or seasonal flu?
• How will businesses know if the flu is more severe and they should consider taking additional action steps?
• What is the difference between isolation and quarantine?
• What diseases are subject to Federal isolation and quaranting law?