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Find the answers you're looking for regarding H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu).

The Current H1N1 Flu Outbreak


As a global leader in OTC cough, cold, and flu medications, Vicks® is committed to helping educate people around the world on the current H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) so they can take appropriate steps to safeguard their health. Vicks, along with its worldwide team of medical and health advisors, recommends first and foremost that anyone with a concern about possible H1N1 Flu exposure or symptoms seek the opinion of a medical professional or reputable health authority.

As a trusted voice in maintaining good health, Vicks wants to remind everyone to practice fundamentals that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause illnesses. These include:
  • 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. Hand sanitizers that have been proven to be effective at deactivating/killing viruses and germs are also recommended.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
  • If you get sick with influenza, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
The H1N1 Flu outbreak is a cause for concern and proper planning, but not for undue alarm. Please continue to monitor updates from public health officials or agencies for new developments.

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10 Helpful Facts About H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)


  1. H1N1 Flu is a respiratory disease normally found in pigs and caused by type A influenza viruses.
  2. Most often, it is contracted in humans through direct exposure to infected pigs. It is not known how easily the virus spreads between people.
  3. Human-to-human spread is thought to occur the same way that seasonal flu spreads, mainly from person to person through coughing, sneezing, or touching surfaces on which the virus is present and then touching their mouth or nose.
  4. H1N1 Flu is likely difficult to distinguish from other strains of flu and respiratory illnesses, and anyone with concerns should see a doctor immediately.
  5. H1N1 Flu is not spread by food and cannot be caught by eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160°F kills the H1N1 influenza virus, as it does other bacteria and viruses.
  6. Infected people may be able to infect others beginning one day before exhibiting symptoms and up to seven or more days after becoming sick.
  7. People with the H1N1 influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they have flu-like symptoms, possibly for up to seven days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might be contagious for longer.
  8. Symptoms of H1N1 Flu are similar to a regular flu and can include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue, and sometimes nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting have been reported as symptoms of H1N1 Flu. Severe illnesses, such as pneumonia and respiratory failure and death, have been reported with H1N1 Flu infection.
  9. There are medicines to treat H1N1 Flu. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir (prescription antiviral medicines) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection.
  10. There is no available vaccine right now to protect against H1N1 Flu; however, everyday actions that maintain good hygiene can help prevent the spread of germs like influenza.
Please continue to monitor updates from public health officials or agencies for new developments.

Source: Information regarding H1N1 influenza adapted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO)

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H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu) Questions and Answers


Q: What is the Swine Flu?

A: The Swine Flu is a respiratory disease normally found in pigs and caused by influenza A H1N1 viruses.

Q: How is it contracted by humans and spread?

A: Most commonly, when contracted by humans, H1N1 Flu occurs through direct exposure to infected pigs. It is not known how easily human-to-human spread can occur. However, just as the common flu is spread, H1N1 Flu is thought to be spread by inhaling droplets spread by an infected person coughing or sneezing. The virus can also be spread by touching surfaces on which the virus is present.

Q: What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?

A: Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth, or nose before washing their hands.

Q: How long can viruses live outside the body?

A: We know that some viruses and bacteria can live two hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent hand washing will help you reduce the chance of getting contaminated from these common surfaces.

Q: When can someone with the flu infect someone else?

A: With seasonal flu, infected people may be able to infect others beginning at one day, which is before any symptoms develop, and up to seven or more days after becoming sick. It is probable that H1N1 Flu will act in the same way. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

Q: How long can an infected person spread H1N1 Flu to others?

A: People with the H1N1 influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they have flu-like symptoms, possibly for up to seven days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might be contagious for longer.

Q: What are the symptoms of H1N1 Flu?

A: Symptoms of the H1N1 Flu are similar to a regular flu and can include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue, and sometimes nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Severe illnesses, such as pneumonia and respiratory failure and death, have been reported in connection to H1N1 Flu in humans. You should see a doctor or other medical professional if you have questions about these or other symptoms.

Q: How do I tell the difference between H1N1 Flu and other strains of flu?

A: The H1N1 Flu may be difficult to distinguish from other strains of flu and respiratory illnesses, including the common cold. You should seek the advice of a medical professional or reputable public health authority or agency regarding the steps you should take if you think you may be suffering from H1N1 Flu.

Q: How do I tell the difference between the flu and a common cold?

A: There is a considerable overlap between the symptoms of a cold and the flu. Symptoms of the common cold include sore throat, nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. The flu starts off with the same symptoms as the common cold, but is often much more severe and the onset is more abrupt. Additional flu symptoms include body aches, sweating, high fever, and moderate to severe fatigue. You should seek the advice of a medical professional or reputable public health authority or agency regarding the steps you should take if you think you may be suffering from the H1N1 Flu.

Q: Are there medicines to treat H1N1 Flu?

A: Yes. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these H1N1 influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid, or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within two days of symptoms). You should seek the advice of a medical professional or reputable public health authority or agency regarding the steps you should take if you think you may be suffering from H1N1 Flu.

Q: Can I use Vicks® products to treat H1N1 Flu and its symptoms?

A: Vicks products do not treat influenza viruses. If you are concerned about your symptoms, seek the advice of a health care professional and/or other reputable health authority regarding how to obtain medical care in order to diagnose your condition and review treatment options.

Q: Are there preventative measures I can take to keep from catching the H1N1 Flu?

A: The best ways to keep from catching any flu virus include avoiding people who are coughing or sneezing, as well as practicing good personal hygiene including frequent hand washing. People with flu symptoms should stay at home to prevent spreading the virus to others. Doctors and medical authorities around the world also recommend getting plenty of sleep and physical activity, avoiding stress, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating nutritious foods. You should seek the advice of a medical professional or reputable public health authority or agency regarding the steps you should take if you think you may be suffering from H1N1 Flu.

Q: What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

A: There is no vaccine available right now to protect against H1N1 Flu. There are everyday actions that can help reduce the risk of spreading germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to help protect your health and that of those around you:
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and dispose of the used tissue properly.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze, after you have been in public areas, or after you have been close to other people. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
  • If you get sick with influenza, the CDC and WHO recommend that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Q: What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?

A: Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water, or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. We recommend that when you wash your hands, you use soap and warm water for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.

Q: Can I get H1N1 Flu from eating or preparing pork?

A: No. H1N1 influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get H1N1 influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160°F kills the H1N1 influenza virus, as it does other bacteria and viruses.

Source: Information regarding H1N1 influenza adapted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO)

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