|
As H1N1 is becoming more prevalent in the United States, the general public needs to stay updated about the disease and how it’s spread. Symptoms of this illness are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu in humans and may include: • fever (greater than 100°F)
• sore throat
• cough
• stuffy nose
• chills
• headaches
• body aches and fatigue
• diarrhea and vomiting Like seasonal flu, H1N1 may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions. To Prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses, such as colds and flu: • Avoid contact with ill persons.
• When you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve (if you do not have a tissue). Dispose of used tissues into a trash can.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• After you cough or sneeze, wash your hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand gel.
• If you think you are ill with flu, avoid close contact with others as much as possible, stay at home--do not go to work, school, daycare or travel while ill.
• Seek medical care if you are severely ill.
• Wash your hands often. Treating the ill at home: Most people that are becoming ill WIth h1n1 influenza experience mild symptoms that do not require a visit to the doctor or antivirals. they can be treated at home with the following: • Plenty of rest,
• Plenty of fluids,
• Fever-reducing medication such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen (no aspirin for children or teenagers),
• Eating a light, bland diet as appetite allows, and
• Avoiding alcohol or tobacco use during the course of the flu. Call your health care provider if you experience: • Trouble swallowing or breathing.
• Becoming confused or disoriented.
• Feeling light headed, faint or too weak to stand up.
• Chest pain, pressure, or stiff neck.
• Symptoms develop or become severe after feeling better.
• New symptoms develop after five days.
• Vomiting that is severe or lasts longer than 24 hours in an adult or 12 hours in a child.
• Dehydration.
• Coughing up thick green mucous or bloody mucous. Vaccine:Since the demand for vaccine for priority groups has been met at the local level, programs and providers are currently vaccinating everyone (as of 12/21/2009). Additional Information:
How does H1N1 flu spread?
Spread of the H1N1 virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
How can someone with the flu infect someone else?
Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Are there medicines to treat H1N1 flu?
Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms). Can people catch H1N1 flu from eating pork?
No. Influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. You cannot get H1N1 influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 165°F kills the swine flu virus as it does other bacteria and viruses. How do I obtain Infection Control & Educational Materials?
Any business, healthcare facility, school or daycare wishing to obtain a free hand washing cling or “cover your cough” poster, please contact Loup Basin Public Health Department at 308.346.5795 or e-mail to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Available Brochures: Seasonal and Novel H1N1 Flu: A Guide for Parents Get the Facts about H1N1 Flu
Additional Links:
|
