Signs & Symptoms
The symptoms of this new H1N1 flu
virus in people are similar to the
symptoms of seasonal flu and
include:
-
fever
-
cough
-
sore throat
-
runny or stuffy nose
-
body aches
-
headache
-
chills and fatigue
-
diarrhea
-
vomiting
Prevention &
Treatment
What can I do to protect
myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right
now to protect against this new H1N1
virus. A vaccine is projected to be
made available by mid- October 2009. There are everyday actions
that can help prevent the spread of
germs that cause respiratory
illnesses like influenza.
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, especially after
you cough or sneeze.
Alcohol-based hand cleaners are
also effective.
-
Avoid touching your eyes,
nose or mouth. Germs spread this
way.
-
Try to avoid close contact
with sick people.
-
Stay home
if you are sick until you are at
least 24 hours fever free
without the use of fever
reducing medicines. This is to
keep from infecting others and
spreading the virus further.
Other important actions
that you can take are:
-
Follow public health advice
regarding school closures,
avoiding crowds and other social
distancing measures.
-
Be prepared in case you get
sick and need to stay home for a
week or so; a supply of
over-the-counter medicines,
alcohol-based hand rubs, tissues
and other related items might
could be useful and help avoid
the need to make trips out in
public while you are sick and
contagious.
What is the best way to
keep from spreading the virus
through coughing or sneezing?
If you are sick, limit your contact
with other people as much as
possible. If you are sick, stay home
until you are at least 24 hours
fever free without the use of fever
reducing medicines.
Cover your mouth and nose with a
tissue when coughing or sneezing.
Put your used tissue in the waste
basket. Then, clean your hands, and
do so every time you cough or
sneeze.
What is the best
technique for washing my hands to
avoid getting the flu?
Washing your hands often will help
protect you from germs. Wash with
soap and water or clean with
alcohol-based hand cleaner. CDC
recommends that when you wash your
hands -- with soap and warm water --
that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds.
When soap and water are not
available, alcohol-based disposable
hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be
used. You can find them in most
supermarkets and drugstores. If
using gel, rub your hands until the
gel is dry. The gel doesn't need
water to work; the alcohol in it
kills the germs on your hands.
What should I do if I get
sick?
If you live in areas where people
have been identified with new H1N1
flu and become ill with
influenza-like symptoms, including
fever, body aches, runny or stuffy
nose, sore throat, nausea, or
vomiting or diarrhea, you should
stay home and avoid contact with
other people. Staying at home means
that you should not leave your home
except to seek medical care. This
means avoiding normal activities,
including work, school, travel,
shopping, social events, and public
gatherings
If you have severe illness or you
are at high risk for flu
complications, contact your health
care provider or seek medical care.
Your health care provider will
determine whether flu testing or
treatment is needed.
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