Influenza A H1N1: what a result means

H1N1 describes the surface proteins used to identify one influenza A subtype. A positive H1N1 result indicates that this subtype was detected; it does not predict how an individual person will feel. Common illness features include fever, chills, cough, headache, fatigue and feeling generally unwell. Influenza can affect the airways and, in some people, complications such as pneumonia can develop. A test result should be considered with your symptoms, examination and personal health risks.

Take time to rest and drink regularly. Follow directions for any fever or pain medicine, and check with a pharmacist or clinician if you take other medicines or have a chronic condition. Avoid close contact while feverish or feeling acutely unwell; improve airflow indoors, wear a well-fitting mask around others when appropriate, cover coughs and wash hands. Ask a clinician about antiviral treatment without delay if you are at higher risk or symptoms are substantial.

Emergency care is needed for marked breathing difficulty, persistent chest pain, new confusion, collapse, blue or grey colouring, or inability to keep fluids down. Seek prompt advice if a fever returns after settling, cough or weakness is clearly worsening, or you are not drinking and passing urine normally. Infants, older adults, pregnant people and those with weakened immunity should have a lower threshold for contacting a clinician.

Ask whether your subtype result changes treatment, when you are likely to stop spreading infection, how to manage medicines safely, and whether signs suggest pneumonia.