The 2009 novel H1N1 influenza virus (initially and inaccurately referred to as “swine flu”) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people around the world. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States and Mexico in April 2009. The 2009 novel H1N1 is spreading from person to person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.

On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a pandemic of 2009 novel H1N1 flu was underway—the word “pandemic” meaning that the flu is spreading simultaneously in multiple countries around the world. The 2009 novel H1N1 flu is already widespread across the nation, including New York, along with cases of what is called “seasonal” flu (although as of this date we are not yet seeing significant seasonal flu yet in this area).

Eastern Long Island Hospital is providing this information to the public on how to prevent illness with the 2009 novel H1N1 flu, as well as seasonal flu, because prevention is the single best way to stay healthy and slow the spread of flu viruses.

Information on this Web site has been obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the New York State Department of Health.