Tips

General Information

What are the symptoms of H1N1 influenza?

The symptoms of H1N1 influenza are similar to seasonal flu: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Sometimes people also have diarrhea and vomiting.

When should I see a medical provider right away? 

If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, go to an emergency room or urgent care center.

For children, emergency warning signs include: 

• • Fast breathing or trouble breathing 

  • Bluish or gray skin color (call 911 immediately)

  • 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 

For adults, emergency warning signs 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 

Health Protection Tips 

How can I protect myself and my family?

• Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

  • • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze. 

    • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective.

    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

    • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

    • Get plenty of sleep.

    • Be physically active.

    • Manage your stress.

    • Drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

• • Get your seasonal flu vaccine. Seasonal flu vaccine is available now. Public Health recommends that people in high risk groups and anyone who wants it get seasonal influenza vaccine so that they are protected. (Note that the seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against H1N1 influenza.)

  • Plan at home. Store medical and health supplies, such as cough syrup, soap, and pain relief medicines.  Also, it is helpful to plan ahead and to network with other families about child care and other arrangements if children are sick with flu or schools or childcare centers are closed.