As news accounts of an outbreak of H1N1 flu in Mexico, the United States and international countries, NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) wants to help you learn the facts on the outbreak of this strain of influenza.

What is it?

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, the swine flu is "... a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs." The CDC states swine flu normally does not spread from humans to humans, but in this particular instance, this strain (H1N1) has mutated allowing for human transmission.

How serious is it?

As of Thursday afternoon, 109 cases have been confirmed in the United States. A 23-month old baby in Houston is the only confirmed death as a result of H1N1 flu.

How does it spread?

Just like the seasonal flu, H1N1 flu passes from person to person through activities like coughing and sneezing, touching of infected surfaces then touching your eyes or mouth and being in close contact with someone who is sick.

What if I have recently traveled to an area where H1N1 flu has been reported, what should I do?

If you have no flu-like symptoms you need to do nothing. Unless you know you were exposed to someone who has been confirmed to have H1N1 flu. In that case, contact your healthcare provider. If you do have symptoms, you should contact your health care provider.

What is NorthShore doing to protect me as a patient?

NorthShore is working with local public health authorities to monitor the scope and spread of H1N1 flu. We will continue to make updates available on our Web site. Our physicians are receiving updates from our infection control department about how to proceed with suspected cases. The Emergency Departments at NorthShore's four Hospitals-Evanston, Glenbrook, Highland Park and Skokie-are preparing to accept a possible influx of cases. Our Hospitals have strict infection control safeguards in place and are working to ensure those are operating correctly. We do this in order to protect our inpatients from possible infection if patients with H1N1 flu are admitted.

What can I do to protect myself and my family?

Common sense reigns here as you should make sure that you frequently wash your hands and avoid those who show outward signs of infection. Encourage those around you, even if they don’t appear sick, to practice good hygiene and use a tissue when coughing our sneezing followed by hand washing. Use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers throughout the day is also a good idea.

What are some symptoms of H1N1 flu?

According to the CDC, symptoms of H1N1 flu include “fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with H1N1 flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.”

What should I do if I think I’m sick?

Chances are you will not be the first reported case of H1N1 flu in Illinois. If you do develop flu-like symptoms, you should contact your primary care physician and make an appointment immediately. In the meantime, if you think you are sick, you should avoid nonessential contact with co-workers and friends, cover your nose and mouth if coughing or sneezing, frequently wash your hands and use hand sanitizer. If symptoms worsen and include vomiting, difficulty breathing, confusion or dizziness visit an Emergency Department immediately. You should call the hospital beforehand to alert them of your arrival.

Can I get H1N1 flu from eating pork?

No. Properly handled and cooked pork (160 degrees) will be free from any potential H1N1 flu infections according to the CDC.

What other resources are available to me?

Updates on H1N1 flu can be monitored at the Web sites for the CDC and the World Heath Organization. You can also follow the CDC on Twitter.