The Current Flu Situation
- Extensive efforts are underway to track and monitor the spread of the flu. In the US, epidemiologists at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are working with states to collect, compile and analyze reports of the H1N1 (Swine Flu) outbreak. More…
- The CDC and state health departments are taking aggressive action to respond to the H1N1 flu virus. More…
- A pandemic has been declared. The World Health Organization has declared that a global pandemic level of H1N1 influenza is underway. More…
- Vaccines are the best tool we have to prevent influenza. The CDC encourages people to get vaccinated against seasonal influenza as soon as vaccines become available. The H1N1 flu vaccine is in development for early fall. More…
- Learn more about the H1N1 flu, Seasonal flu and Prescription Medications. More…
Tracking the Spread of the Flu
H1N1 FluView (CDC): | H1N1 flu activity is being tracked through CDC’s routine influenza surveillance systems and reported weekly in FluView. Flu View (CDC): |
State Information and Resources | State Information and Resources: States have shared and independent responsibilities for pandemic planning. Find flu planning and response information for your state. |
The Domestic Impact
- On April 26, 2009 the Department of Health and Human Services issued a nationwide public health emergency declaration in response to the number of confirmed cases of H1N1 flu in the United States. On July 23, 2009, and again on October 1, 2009, Secretary Sebelius signed renewals of the determination. On October 24, 2009, President Obama signed a national emergency declaration for H1N1 flu.
- In the United States to date, more than 9,000 hospitalizations and nearly 600 deaths associated with 2009 H1N1 flu viruses have been reported to CDC. See CDC’s FluView for more information.
- The CDC and state health departments are taking aggressive action to respond to the H1N1 flu virus. For steps that individuals can take, see Prevention and Treatment. Professionals should visit the For Professionals planning sections.
The Global Impact
- On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization
(WHO) declared that a global pandemic of H1N1 flu is underway by raising the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6. Note: This action was a reflection of the spread of the new H1N1 flu virus, not the severity of illness caused by the virus. - More than 70 countries have reported cases of H1N1 flu infection.
- The United States continues to report the largest number of H1N1 flu cases of any country worldwide, however, most people who have become ill have recovered without requiring medical treatment.
- Continuous global surveillance, rapid detection and isolation of influenza are ongoing, coordinated efforts. More information on the global response
The Facts about Vaccination
The seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 flu vaccine are separate injections. A seasonal vaccine is distributed routinely every year, and the H1N1 flu vaccine has been developed for distribution in the fall 2009 flu season. Use our Flu Shot Locator to get vaccinated where you live.
- The seasonal flu is still expected to cause illness this fall and winter. Individuals are encouraged to get their seasonal flu vaccine as soon as it is available.
- The seasonal vaccine is not expected to protect against the H1N1 flu and the H1N1 flu vaccine is not intended to replace the seasonal flu vaccine. Each is intended to be used along-side one another.
- It is anticipated that seasonal flu and H1N1 flu vaccines may be administered on the same day. However, it is likely that the seasonal vaccine will be available earlier than the H1N1 flu vaccine.
- CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a panel made up of medical and public health experts, recommends the following groups be given priority for the H1N1 flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available:
Pregnant women because they are at higher risk of complications and can potentially provide protection to infants who cannot be vaccinated.
Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age because younger infants are at higher risk of influenza-related complications and cannot be vaccinated.
Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel because infections among healthcare workers have been reported and this can be a potential source of infection for vulnerable patients. Also, increased absenteeism in this population could reduce healthcare system capacity.
All people from 6 months through 24 years of age
Children from 6 months through 18 years of age because we have seen many cases of H1N1 flu in children and they are in close contact with each other in school and day care settings, which increases the likelihood of disease spread.
Young adults 19 through 24 years of age because we have seen many cases of H1N1 flu in these healthy young adults and they often live, work, and study in close proximity, and they are a frequently mobile population.
Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with a higher risk of medical complications from influenza. These conditions include asthma, diabetes, cancer, HIV/AIDS, and heart or kidney disease.
- The CDC does not expect that there will be a shortage of H1N1 flu vaccine, but flu vaccine availability and demand can be unpredictable. Use our Flu Shot Locator to get vaccinated where you live.
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Information on Prescription Medications
