The enigma of the H1N1 flu: are you ready?

This flu season, health care providers must be prepared to treat patients who have the seasonal flu and also those who have contracted a novel strain of the H1N1 influenza virus. Although H1N1 flu is sometimes incorrectly called "swine flu," the virus is transmitted from person to person; it cannot be contracted from pigs or from eating pork products. Symptoms of the H1N1 flu include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, body aches, lethargy, and fatigue, which usually appear in rapid succession. People at high risk include children, pregnant women, and those with certain medical conditions. The most common cause of death from the virus is respiratory failure, but other causes of mortality include sepsis, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance. The first line of defense against H1N1 flu is vaccination. Treatment includes use of antiemetics, antipyretics, and respiratory support. (c) AORN, Inc, 2009.