| Swine Flu Information
May 1, 2009
State Health Department’s Swine Flu Hotline Call 1-866-850-5893
Travel:
- Should you go to work or go outside your home if you are sick? Stay at home if you possibly can. Stay away from other sick people to prevent disease spread. Care at home may be the best thing.
When & Where to Seek Medical Care:
- Stomach flu is not influenza flu. Influenza flu is in people’s lungs (instead of their stomachs) which usually causes fever, muscle aches and pains along with respiratory symptoms such as a cough.
- Regular seasonal flu happens each year. During a pandemic flu, you should only go to the emergency room or hospital if you are very ill. Otherwise, home treatment is recommended.
Symptoms of the Flu:
- Very tired
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Body Aches
- Dry cough
- Fever
- Headaches
- Diarrhea
Care of people with flu symptoms:
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen (Advil) are often used for flu symptoms (this is a good topic to talk to your doctor about)
- Aspirin should not be used for the flu
- Checking a sick person’s temperature is important
- Keep well people away from sick people
- Provide good air circulation
- Make sure sick people drink lots of fluids
Stop Dehydration:
- Increase fluids at the first sign of illness
- Easy to eat foods are important
Preventing Spread:
- Wash bedding, towels, and clothing of sick people in HOT water
- Waste disposal; tie up trash, burn or place in a closed container
- Do not share eating dishes and personal items with other people; especially sick people
- Cover your cough
- If you become sick, minimize your contact with other people
- Wash your hands often
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