Influenza

H1N1 flu and seasonal flu resources

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Influenza is a respiratory virus that causes fever (100 degrees F or greater), cough and/or sore throat. Symptoms may also include body aches, fatigue, chills and some cases vomiting and diarrhea may occur.
H1N1 is a new influenza virus that has recently spread rapidly around the globe. The concern is, because it is a new virus, many people will become sick at the same time with mild to moderate illness.

Influenza viruses spread from person to person in respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes.
Influenza viruses also spread when a person touches respiratory droplets on another person or an object and then touches their own eye, mouth or nose.

get plenty of rest
drink clear fluids
cover coughs and sneezes by sneezing into your sleeve or a tissue
be watchful for emergency warning signs
difficulty breathing or chest pain
purple or blue color of the lips
signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, dizzy when standing, no urination for 12 hours or more, or in infants, a lack of tears when they cry
seizures (for example, uncontrolled convulsions)
less responsive than normal or becomes confused, agitated
fever or pain that are very difficult to control

Antiviral medications can sometimes help lessen influenza symptoms, but require a prescription. Most people do not need these antiviral drugs to fully recover from the flu.
Children 5 years of age and older and teenagers with the flu can take medicines without aspirin, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, Nuprin®), to relieve symptoms of fever and pain.
A suction bulb to help clear away mucus can be used for infants and young children who cannot blow their nose.
Over-the-counter cold and flu medications used according to the package instructions may help lessen some symptoms such as cough and congestion. Importantly, these medications will not lessen how infectious a person is.
Children younger than 4 years of age should NOT be given over-the-counter cold medications without first speaking with a health care provider.

Keep the sick person in a room separate from the common areas of the house and away from other people as much as possible
check frequently on the ill person for signs of worsening symptoms or no improvements
If you are the caregiver, avoid face to face contact with the sick person and try to stay 6 feet away if possible
remind the sick person to cover their coughs, and clean their hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub often
All persons in the household should clean their hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
Unless necessary for medical care or other necessities, people who are sick with an influenza-like-illness should stay home and keep away from others as much as possible until fever free for 24 hours without the use of medication
If possible, sick persons should use a separate bathroom
The sick person should not have visitors other than caregivers
Keep surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, and toys for children) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label

Date Last Modified: 09/22/2009 11:00