VHSL Sports Medicine Advisory Committe and the Virginia Department of Health Make Flu Season Recommendations

Editor's note: We are already hearing in Loudoun of athletes that are sick. My son's U-19 soccer team had several out sick from practice last night and my fourth grader had four kids home out of school yesterday so this is an important issue. Please read the release below from the VHSL!

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA — As you may know, the novel H1N1 influenza virus, also know as swine flu, is a new influenza virus that causes illness in people. This virus was first detected in the United States in April 2009 and it has continued to spread from person-to-person, in much the same way that the annual influenza virus spreads. The virus is easily transmitted from person-to-person and has caused not only sporadic infections, but also large outbreaks across the globe. Novel influenza H1N1, like the seasonal flu, is spread mainly through coughing or sneezing.

Many people over the age of 65 may have some immunity to the 2009 novel H1N1 virus (probably from infection years ago to a similar virus). Young people (especially those aged 24 and younger) do not. Like seasonal flu, the large majority of those who become infected with the 2009 H1N1 virus develop mild illness and have recovered without needing medical treatment. However, some people are considered at higher risk for developing influenza-related complications – see below.