H1N1 (Swine Flu) Overview
Information about the virus, precautions to take, and educational activities for your children if their schools are closed
In April 2009, an outbreak of H1N1 (swine flu) broke out in many countries across the globe. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that a global pandemic of novel influenza A (H1N1) was underway. By then, H1N1 had spread to more than 70 countries. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) correctly predicted that there would be more cases, more hospitalizations, and more deaths associated with the pandemic in the United States into the fall and winter. However, by mid-October, the nation's worst fears failed to materialize. The CDC reported that between April and mid-October, about 22 million Americans had contracted H1N1, 98,000 cases required hospitalization, and about 3,900 people died from H1N1-related causes. Though these numbers seem high, they are lower than those normally associated with seasonal flu. There was a shortage of vaccines in early- and mid-fall, but by late November, some 61 million doses were available or had been administered.
Find out answers to frequently asked questions about the virus, read an overview of H1N1 in humans, learn how to prevent the spread of germs and protect your family from disease, and how to continue your child's education if school is closed.
Facts About H1N1 and Other Viruses
Learn about the origin of H1N1, its history, number of cases, and get the facts on other virusues.
- H1N1 (Swine Flu) in Humans
- H1N1 (Swine Flu) FAQs
- Swine Flu in Pigs
- Influenza: A Twentieth-Century Epidemic
- Avian Flu FAQs
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention H1N1 (Swine Flu) Page
- The World Health Organization H1N1 Page
- Infectious Diseases Worldwide
Tips to Avoid Spreading Viruses and Germs
Precautions you can take to keep you and your family healthy.
- Can Your Kitchen Pass the Food Safety Test?
- Preventing Illness and Disease
- When to Keep a Child at Home
H1N1 Poll
See if the measures you are taking to avoid contracting the virus match up with what others are doing.
Learning at Home
Is your child's school closed? Keep them learning with these educational activities from FamilyEducation.com.
