Tracking H1N1 Influenza in Virginia

• Influenza graphs showing activity through the end of the influenza season in May 2010 
• Influenza maps showing activity through the end of the influenza season in May 2010

The Virginia Department of Health monitors influenza throughout the year, focusing on the period from October through May when influenza ("flu") is most likely to occur in Virginia.  During the 2009-2010 flu season VDH tracked changes in influenza activity from April 2009, when the virus was first identified, through May 2010, when influenza activity returned to normal low summer levels.  The graphs and maps above present data for the 2009-2010 season and also for the 2008-2009 season to show a more normal flu season for comparison.   

Annual influenza surveillance uses information from laboratory reports, outbreak reports, and visits to hospital emergency departments and urgent care centers for flu-like illness. By analyzing this data, VDH is able to determine how widespread influenza infection is in regions of the state and to determine whether those rates are increasing or declining.

In response to H1N1 influenza, VDH enhanced influenza surveillance.  Additional sites were requested to submit specimens for influenza testing throughout the season.  This allowed us to confirm that almost all influenza among Virginians was caused by the novel H1N1 strain.  Additional emergency and urgent care facilities were recruited to provide information on reasons for visits, improving information on influenza activity levels across the state.  Death certificates were monitored to ensure that any increases in pneumonia or influenza death rates would be quickly detected.  Daily attendance summaries from the schools provided insights into the impact in different communities and enabled local health departments to help schools limit disease transmission. 

Virginians are reminded that symptoms of novel H1N1 influenza 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