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What are the Signs and Symptoms of H1N1 (Swine) Flu in People?

The symptoms of H1N1 (swine) flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with H1N1 (swine) flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with H1N1 (swine) flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 (swine) flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

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

Are there other ways to prevent the spread of illness?

·         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 that way.

·         Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them

Clean Hands Save Lives!

ü It is best to wash your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds.

ü When water is not available, use alcohol based products (sanitizers).

ü Wash hands before preparing or eating food and after going to the bathroom.

ü Keeping your hands clean helps you avoid getting sick.

When should you wash your hands?

·         Before preparing or eating food.

·         After going to the bathroom

·         After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has gone to the bathroom

·         Before and after caring for someone who is sick

·         After handling uncooked foods, particularly raw meat, poultry, or fish

·         After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing

·         After handling an animal or animal waste

·         After handling garbage

·         Before and after treating a cut or wound

·         After handling items contaminated by flood water or sewage

·         When your hands are visibly dirty

Using alcohol based sanitizers

·         Apply product to the palm of one hand

·         Rub hands together

·         Rub product over all surfaces of hands and fingers until hands are dry

Washing with soap and water

·         Place your hands together under water (warm if possible)

·         Rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds (with soap if possible)

·         Wash your hands thoroughly, including wrists, palms, back of hands, and under the fingernails

·         Clean the dirt from under fingernails

·         Rinse the soap from your hands

·         Dry your hands completely with a clean towel if possible (this helps remove the germs), however, if towels are not available it is okay to air dry your hands

·         Pat your skin rather than rubbing to avoid chapping and cracking

·         If you use a disposable towel, throw it in the trash