H1N1 Flu

The H1N1 Flu (2009 H1N1 influenza virus) is a type of influenza virus that causes respiratory disease that can spread between people. While most people who have been sick have recovered without needing medical treatment, hospitalizations and deaths from infection with this virus have occurred. Spread of H1N1 flu occurs in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something, such as a surface or object, with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

Questions about H1N1 flu? You can call the CDPH H1N1 Flu Hotline at 1-888-865-0564 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed on Sundays and state holidays). You can hear recorded information 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For additional information and other questions, please contact your local health department.

Preventing Influenza

Symptoms: The symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with H1N1 flu. If you are sick or think you have H1N1 flu infection, please contact your healthcare provider and see this online guide for Caring for Someone Sick at Home.

Prevention: In addition to getting vaccinated for the seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu virus, all Californians should practice the following prevention steps:

Wash your hands: Wash your hands often with soap and water. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

Cover your cough: Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and throw the tissue in the trash after use.

Stay home when you're sick: Stay home when you are sick and remain at home until at least 24 hours after you are free of fever.

For more information: see H1N1 Flu Prevention for detailed information about symptoms, prevention, care giving, and materials (such as posters and brochures).

Getting Vaccinated

The H1N1 flu vaccine continues to arrive in California in increasing amounts weekly. More vaccine will continue to arrive weekly throughout the winter months. Please monitor information from your provider and local health department to find out when and where the H1N1 flu vaccine will be available in your area.

For detailed information: see H1N1 Vaccine and Vaccination Locations for up-to-date information about the new H1N1 Flu vaccine, priority groups for vaccination, and locations where you can get vaccinated. Weekly H1N1 Vaccine Supply Information is now also available by local health jurisdiction.

For health providers: visit CalPanFlu.org, California’s H1N1 Flu Vaccine Website, for vaccine pre-registration and ordering.

What's New

H1N1 Flu Data and Statistics Update

Reported Hospitalized, ICU, and Fatal Cases of 2009 H1N1 Influenza Virus Infections in California, as of December 26, 2009: (summary data is updated weekly, complete table with Local Health Jurisdiction data is updated monthly)

Hospitalizations, ICU Cases,
and Deaths

Deaths

8,075

461

Weekly Number of Hospitalized/Fatal 2009 H1N1 Influenza Cases in California by Week of Report, Week Ending April 28 – December 19, 2009