Tracking H1N1 Influenza in Virginia

Early in the novel Influenza A (H1N1) virus outbreak, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) tested patients for the H1N1 virus to determine if the new virus was present in the state and how widespread infection was among Virginia’s local communities. Counts of confirmed cases were presented on the VDH web site to keep the public up-to-date about the spread of the virus throughout the state. These counts are a partial snapshot of total cases because most people with influenza, including H1N1 influenza, do not require medical care and are not tested.

There no longer is a need to test for the H1N1 virus to determine its presence in the state. Some public health testing is continuing, to allow VDH to monitor the behavior of the virus. Testing for the H1N1 virus also occasionally is done by private physicians for diagnostic purposes.

A more comprehensive view of the degree to which influenza-like illness is present in Virginia is provided by VDH’s disease surveillance system. This system monitors the number of people with influenza symptoms who visit a representative sample of physician offices, emergency departments, urgent care centers and hospitals throughout the state.

By analyzing this data, VDH is able to determine how widespread influenza infection rates are in specific regions of the state and to determine whether those rates are increasing or declining.

This information is accessible by clicking on the links under Maps & Charts at the bottom of the page.

Virginians are reminded that symptoms of this novel virus typically include fever, cough and sore throat. Additional symptoms may include headache, chills, fatigue and body aches. Persons with H1N1 influenza are contagious for up to seven days after the onset of illness and possibly longer if they are still symptomatic.

Anyone with these symptoms should protect themselves and others by:

Staying home from work or school and limiting their contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Calling their health care providers or their health department before seeking care so that the necessary infection control measures can be put in place.
Covering their nose and mouth with a tissue when they cough or sneeze and throwing the tissue in the trash after use.
Washing their hands often with soap and water, especially after they cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective.
Limiting close contact with sick people
Preventing the spread of germs by not touching eyes, nose or mouth