H1N1 (Swine) Flu- Adams County Health Center

Adams County Health Center - Council, Idaho

H1N1 (Swine) Flu
By Douglas Linford, D.O.

If you think you may have the flu here are some tips (taken from flu.gov)
1	Stay home if you are sick with influenza-like illness for example, fever or chills AND cough or sore throat. In addition, symptoms of flu can include runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting. CDC recommends that sick workers stay home if they are ill with influenza-like illness until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100° F [37.8° C] or greater) or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications. This would require employees to stay home for 3 to 5 days in most cases. CDC recommends this time period away from work regardless of whether or not antiviral medications are used.
2	Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
3	Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes.
4	Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or cough and sneeze into your upper sleeve. Dispose of tissues in no-touch trash receptacles.
5	Wash your hands or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
6	Keep frequently touched common surfaces clean. For example, telephones, computer equipment, etc.
7	Try not to use other workers’ phones, desks, offices, or other work tools and equipment. If necessary, consider cleaning them first with a disinfectant.
8	Maintain a healthy lifestyle; attention to rest, diet, exercise, and relaxation helps maintain physical and emotional health.
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include: · Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath · Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen · Sudden dizziness · Confusion · Severe or persistent vomiting · Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include: · Fast breathing or trouble breathing · Bluish or gray skin color · Not drinking enough fluids · Severe or persistent vomiting · Not waking up or not interacting · Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held · Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough The initial supply of H1N1 (Swine) vaccine may be limited. The CDC is recommending that the following be vaccinated first: · Pregnant women · Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age · Healthcare and emergency medical services · All people from 6 months through 24 years of age · Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza. If you are not in the above list, if is recommended that you wait to be vaccinated until the supply of H1N1 (Swine) vaccine is not restricted.

This article is for general information only.
For specific medical information, please contact your health care provider.

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