Flu Prevention and Information

H1N1 (SWINE FLU)

2009 H1N1 Flu and standard Influenza (flu):

Information for Everyone

You may have the flu if you have some or all of the following symptoms:

• fever (not everyone with the flu will have a fever)
• cough
• sore throat
• runny or stuff nose
• body aches
• headache
• chills
• fatigue
• sometimes diarrhea and vomiting

IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE THE FLU

Stay home and away from other people as much as possible; cover your nose

and mouth if you must be around other people (facemask or tissue).

Unless you are in a high-risk category (a young child, pregnant, have certain

underlying health conditions like asthma or diabetes or a weakened

immune system, or are 65 years and older), take acetaminophen (Tylenol)

or ibuprofen and drink plenty of fluids.

Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of

fever reducing medicine.

Most people get better without treatment and don’t need to seek medical help

However, if you are in a high-risk category, consult with your health care provider

if you get flu symptoms.

Also, anyone with the following emergency warning signs needs urgent medical attention:

CHILDREN

o Fast breathing or trouble breathing

o Bluish skin color

o Not drinking enough fluids

o Not waking up or not interacting

o Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held

o Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

o Fever with a rash

ADULTS

o Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

o Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

o Sudden dizziness

o Confusion

o Severe or persistent vomiting

o Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

TAKE THESE EVERYDAY STEPS TO PROTECT YOUR HEALTH:

COVER your NOSE AND MOUTH with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw away the tissue once you are done with it.

WASH YOUR HANDS often with soap and water, especially after you sneeze or cough. Alcohol based sanitizers/cleaners are also effective.

AVOID TOUCHING your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

Try to avoid contact with sick people.

STAY HOME if you are sick until at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100 degrees farenheit) or signs of a fever (without the use of fever reducing medicine, such as Tylenol).