Resources		About the Flu

CDC Home Care Guidance:
Physicians Directions to Patient/Parent

For more information go to the CDC Site.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Flu

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick from the flu

• 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 frequently 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.

• Avoid close contact with sick people.

• If you get sick with influenza, the Centers for Disease Control recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

What should I do if I get sick with flu like symptoms?

• If you live in areas where people have been identified with 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.

What are the warning signs of serious illness? When should I seek emergency medical care?

If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.

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 worse 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 worse cough