H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)

H1N1 (Swine Flu)

En Español | An Kreyòl |中文| Bằng Tiếng Việt | In English

The 2009 H1N1 flu (or swine flu) is a new strain of flu virus causing illness in people. In April 2009 this specific type of H1N1 flu was first reported in the United States. H1N1 flu has now been found in many other areas of the world. Symptoms are similar to seasonal flu and include sudden fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, headache, chills, and general weakness. (What is H1N1 flu?)

Residents can take steps to protect themselves.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue every time you cough or sneeze. Then throw the used tissue in a waste basket. If you don't have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your upper sleeve.
Clean your hands with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. You can also use alcohol-based hand cleaner.
Do not go to work or school if sick. Stay home when you are sick. It is recommended that you stay at home for 4 days after you first get sick or for 24 hours after your symptoms have gone away, whichever is longer.
Try to limit contact with others to keep from getting them sick.

Information and Resources

For more information about H1N1 flu and what the Commission is recommending, please read our Fact Sheet. This document is available in multiple languages in the right column of this page. Residents can also follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Multilingual videos are available on our YouTube channel. American Sign Language (ASL) videos and resources for the deaf and hard of hearing are available on the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are frequently updating their websites with H1N1 flu information and guidance. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) provides statewide updates, including a blog and podcasts.

Myths and Facts

There are many common questions surrounding the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine. Learn what's myth and what's fact by reading the Commission's fact sheet below:

2009 H1N1 Vaccine Myths and Facts

Vaccine Information Sheets: These sheets explain benefits & risks of vaccine

2009 H1N1 Flu Vaccine Nose Spray (Spanish)

2009 H1N1 Flu Vaccine (shot for arm) (Spanish)

Flu: What You Can Do - Caring For People At Home
A pamphlet, video, and learning tools explaining symptoms of flu, how to take care of someone ill with the flu, how to avoid getting the flu, and how to prevent giving the flu to others are available through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH).

Requests for Flu Presentations & Outreach:

To request a flu presentation or outreach support at your organization, please fill out the Service Request Form and email it to Sandra Vasquez at svasquez@bphc.org, or fax it to her attention at 617-534-2297.

(Return to Flu Home Page)

This is a machine translation to provide a basic understanding of our web content. It is a literal translation and certain words may not translate accurately. BPHC is not responsible for the accuracy of any translation using this service. This translation should never be used to translate documents for distribution to residents or clients.

Fact Sheets

2009 H1N1 Fact Sheet - Chinese

2009 H1N1 Fact Sheet - English

2009 H1N1 Fact Sheet - French

2009 H1N1 Fact Sheet - Haitian Creole

2009 H1N1 Fact Sheet - Russian

2009 H1N1 Fact Sheet - Spanish

2009 H1N1 Fact Sheet - Vietnamese

ALL VIDEOS, INCLUDING MULTILINGUAL MESSAGES AVAILABLE ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL. DOWNLOAD VIDEOS HERE.

Flu Summit

On Monday, August 17, 2009, Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino joined Dr. Barbara Ferrer and Dr. Anita Barry to explain how the city is taking steps to prepare for the 2009-2010 flu season and what Boston residents should know to protect themselves. Video courtesy of NECN.

MSNBC

Dr. Anita Barry, director of the Commission's Infectious Disease Bureau speaks with Dr. Nancy Snyderman, MSNBC, about preparations for the fall flu season, including what schools can do to protect their students.

Spring 2009

When Boston heard news of a novel influenza virus - then called swine flu - Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino and city officials joined together for a press conference on on Monday, April 27, 2009.