H1N1 Flu

A new strain of H1N1 influenza was first detected in April, 2009 among ill individuals in the southwestern United States. This new strain of influenza reached Virginia in the first week of May and quickly spread throughout the world.

VDH responded quickly to protect Virginians.

• A hotline provided answers to questions from the public and health care professionals
• Guidance helped people to protect themselves against infection and to avoid spreading disease.
• When a test for H1N1 was developed, physicians received help testing their ill patients to determine whether they had the new H1N1 influenza strain.
• Over 3.9 million doses of H1N1 vaccine were distributed by VDH to over 3,000 providers.
• Vaccination clinics were held throughout the state to protect Virginians from infection.
• Antiviral medications were provided to those who were ill and unable to afford them, and the supply of medications in pharmacies was monitored to prevent shortages.
• Schools, nursing homes, workplaces and other community organizations received recommendations on how to keep students, patients and workers well and how to respond if they became ill.
• Disease tracking provided information on illness levels throughout the state.
• Media campaigns reminded people to get vaccinated and to wash their hands to stay healthy and to stay home and ‘cover their cough’ if they became ill.

Over 1.7 million Virginians were vaccinated through a partnership between the medical community and VDH. Doctors vaccinated their patients. Hospitals vaccinated patients, staff and visitors. Schools throughout the state held clinics to vaccinate students and sometimes their families. Health departments took vaccine to shopping malls and houses of worship, housing complexes and airports, community festivals and other public gatherings. As a result of this successful effort, many influenza infections were prevented and the epidemic slowed.

On August 10, 2010, the World Health Organization declared the H1N1 pandemic to be over. H1N1 influenza continues to cause disease but is likely to act like seasonal flu. Everyone is encouraged to get a flu vaccine this fall to protect them against H1N1 and seasonal influenza.

• The World Health Organization (WHO)’s 8/10/2010 Declaration of Post-Pandemic Period
• Tracking H1N1 influenza in Virginia in 2009-2010
• H1N1 vaccine coverage and returns
• More information about H1N1 flu
• Take 3 steps to fight the flu brochure
• VDH influenza guide for parents
• Information for pregnant women about H1N1
• CDC: H1N1 (Swine Flu) Resources for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Non-English Speaking Resources

• Información general sobre la influenza H1N1 (gripe porcina)
• Comunicado de Prensa
• Audio de Teleconferencia sobre el Virus de la Influenza H1N1, pregrabada el día 9 de Septiembre de 2009
• Information on H1N1 in Chinese, Vietnamese and other languages