H1N1 Incubation Period

According to the CDC the incubation period for the H1N1 virus (swine flu) is estimated to be between 1 and 7 days. The CDC notes that it is more likely for a person to develop symptoms between 1-4 days after being exposed to the virus.http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/identifyingpatients.htm H1N1, like other flu viruses, is spread when an infected person sneezes or coughs. The tiny droplets from a cough or sneeze can travel about 6 feet.http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/identifyingpatients.htm

People infected with H1N1 are considered to be contagious for 7 days after they first began to show symptoms of the flu. If a person continues to show symptoms of H1N1 after being ill for more than 7 days, experts say they should still be considered contagious until the symptoms subside. Symptoms associated with H1N1 include fever, headache, chills, fatigue, cough, sore throat and occasionally diarrhea and/or vomiting.http://answers.flu.gov/questions/3720

The CDC says that young children might be contagious for longer periods of time. Anyone with flu-like symptoms and a fever is advised to stay home and avoid contact with others (as much as possible) until the fever is gone.http://answers.flu.gov/questions/4163

The Center for Disease Control recommends routine precautions to avoid the spread of swine influenza. People are encouraged to wash their hands often, cover their noses or mouths when coughing or sneezing, and avoid close contact with sick people. [1] H1N1 can be contracted if a person touches a surface after covering a cough or sneeze with their hand. Surfaces should be cleaned but Flu.gov says "it is not necessary to disinfect these surfaces beyond routine cleaning."http://answers.flu.gov/questions/3768

According to Flu.gov, if you have the signs of the H1N1 virus, you should:

• Stay home
• Follow doctor's instructions
• If symptoms worsen, contact physician

If you are taking care of a person with H1N1 you should:

• Protect yourself from contacting the virus by avoiding close contact
• Wear a respirator if necessary
• Keep the ill person isolated from others
• Wash hand frequently
• Consider starting an anti-viral like Tamiflu or Relenzahttp://www.flu.gov/individualfamily/about/symptoms/index.html

• CDC: Swine Flu Incubation Period
• Flu.gov: What is the incubation period of the H1N1 (swine flu)? How long will it take to get the flu after being exposed?