Important Flu Information

Signs and Symptoms of the flu

The symptoms of flu virus include:

·         Fever

·         Cough

·         Sore throat

·         Runny or stuffy nose

·         Body aches

·         Headache

·         Chills & fatigue

·         Some people may have vomiting or diarrhea

 

People may be infected with the flu, including 2009 H1N1 and have respiratory symptoms without a fever.

 

What Should I Do If I Get Sick

If you are diagnosed with the flu

·         Stay home, follow your doctor’s orders and watch for signs that you need immediate medical attention.  Remain at home until you have been symptom-free (no fever) for at least 24 hours.

·         Avoid close contact with others, especially those who might easily get the flu, such as people of any age with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, young children and infants.

·         Wear a facemask, This is especially important if other household members are at high risk for complications from influenza.

·         Get plenty of rest.

·         Drink clear fluids, such as water, broth, sports drinks, or electrolyte beverages made for infants, to prevent becoming dehydrated.

·         Cover coughs and sneezes.

·         Clean hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub often, especially after using tissues and after coughing or sneezing into your hands.

·         Talk to your doctor about prescription antivirals.

 

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 worsening cough

 

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 worsening cough

Do I need medication?

Most healthy persons who develop an illness consistent with influenza, or persons who appear to be recovering from influenza, do not need antiviral medications for treatment or prophylaxis.

 

Treatment is recommended for all persons with suspected or confirmed influenza requiring hospitalization.

 

Treatment should be considered for persons with suspected or confirmed influenza who are at higher risk for complications including:

·         Children younger than 2 years old

·         Persons aged 65 years or older

·         Pregnant women

·         Persons of any age with certain chronic medical or immunosuppressive conditions

·         Persons younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy

 

Prevention & Treatment

Take these everyday steps to protect your health

·         Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.  Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

·         Wash your hands often with soap and water.

·         Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

·         Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

·         If you are sick with flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone.

·         Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.

 

How the flu virus spreads

Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza.  Sometimes people may become infected by touching something – such as a surface or object – with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

 

The flu virus is contagious!

People infected with seasonal and the 2009 novel H1N1 flu may be able to infect others from 1 day before getting sick to 5 to 7 days after.

 

Contamination & Cleaning

Flu virus can stay alive for 2 to 8 hours on:

·         Books

·         Door knobs

·         Light switches

·         Linens

·         Eating utensils

·         Used tissues & other trash

·         Remote controls

·         Toys

·         Other environmental surfaces

Cleaning Recommendations

·         Throw trash and other disposables used by infected individuals in the trash.  Additionally, anyone touching used items should immediately wash their hands.

·         Clean household surfaces and toys with the appropriate disinfectant according to product directions.

·         Wash linens, eating utensils and dishes thoroughly before sharing with others.

·         Anyone coming in close contract to items that could be contaminated should wash their hands immediately.

 

Information obtained from the CDC.