Tips and information on the flu
Helpful information and tips of the more common symptoms and preventative techniques about both seasonal and H1N1 flu
Michael Seifer
Issue date: 11/23/09 Section: Health
Flu Tips and Information
Only specialized testing can diagnose H1N1 Influenza with certainty. Based on information from the CDC, this flu season we are seeing a mix of "seasonal" Flu and the H1N1 Flu or "Swine Flu.
Symptoms: These can be seen in both Seasonal Flu and H1N1
1) Abrupt onset of Respiratory symptoms including any or all of the following, cough, nasal congestion and sore throat.
2) Fever (measured fever of 100.0) or higher
3) Muscle aches
H1N1 "Swine" flu Facts:
• In most people it is a fairly benign illness with full recovery expected.
• Only patients who are severely ill (requiring hospitalization) or have significant underlying illness (heart disease, asthma, lung disease, HIV, kidney disease) require antiviral medications.
• You can expect to feel ill for 3-7 days (fever usually resolves by day 3-4)
Take these everyday steps to protect your health and the health of others:
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. An alternative technique is coughing or sneezing into your bent elbow, which will direct the sneeze downward and avoid contamination of your hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners and sanitizers are also effective. (Make sure they contain 80% or more by volume)
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth to prevent the spreading of germs.
• If available consider wearing a surgical mask to minimize spreading the virus to others. These masks can be found at any drug store.
• CDC recommends that people with influenza-like illness remain at home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100° F [37.8°C]), or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.
Only specialized testing can diagnose H1N1 Influenza with certainty. Based on information from the CDC, this flu season we are seeing a mix of "seasonal" Flu and the H1N1 Flu or "Swine Flu.
Symptoms: These can be seen in both Seasonal Flu and H1N1
1) Abrupt onset of Respiratory symptoms including any or all of the following, cough, nasal congestion and sore throat.
2) Fever (measured fever of 100.0) or higher
3) Muscle aches
H1N1 "Swine" flu Facts:
• In most people it is a fairly benign illness with full recovery expected.
• Only patients who are severely ill (requiring hospitalization) or have significant underlying illness (heart disease, asthma, lung disease, HIV, kidney disease) require antiviral medications.
• You can expect to feel ill for 3-7 days (fever usually resolves by day 3-4)
Take these everyday steps to protect your health and the health of others:
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. An alternative technique is coughing or sneezing into your bent elbow, which will direct the sneeze downward and avoid contamination of your hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners and sanitizers are also effective. (Make sure they contain 80% or more by volume)
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth to prevent the spreading of germs.
• If available consider wearing a surgical mask to minimize spreading the virus to others. These masks can be found at any drug store.
• CDC recommends that people with influenza-like illness remain at home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100° F [37.8°C]), or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.