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What you need to know about the H1N1 Flu
Lehigh Valley Family
Written by Heather Fotopoulos, Director of Bayada Nurses, Allentown
Bayada Nurses has a special purpose—to help people have a safe home life with comfort, independence, and dignity.Part of our mission is to provide the communities we serve with education to keep you safe.Here are some frequently asked questions and answers concerning H1N1 flu, including how to recognize symptoms and protect yourself from getting the flu, measures to take if you contract it, and where to get more information.Your local Bayada Nurses professionals are here to help and support you, so please contact us at 610-776-7000 with any questions.
Q What is the H1N1 flu?
A H1N1 is a new flu virus that was first detected in the US in April 2009, causing illness in many people. It was originally called Swine Flu because it was similar to a virus found in pigs.Because it is a new virus, many people, especially those 24 years old and younger, do not have immunity to this virus so it has spread very quickly from person to person worldwide.
Q How is it spread?
A H1N1 is easily spread when a person coughs or sneezes. It is also spread by touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands with soap and water or using hand gel, and after contact with items contaminated from an infected person.
Q What can I do to avoid contracting the flu and spreading it to others?
A There are many preventative measures you can take:
• You and any other household members or visitors should wash your hands often with soap andwater for 15 to 20 seconds or use hand gel.
• Avoid close contact with someone who has the flu and ask sick visitors to avoid coming to your home.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds, or other restrictions to public areas.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough and then discard it immediately. (Sneeze into your sleeve if a tissue is not handy.)
• Avoid contact with others as much as possible while you have a fever or other flu symptoms.
• Keep surfaces clean with a household disinfectant. Respiratory droplets can travel up to 6 feet and can live on surfaces where they land for 2 to 8 hours.
Q What are the symptoms of the H1N1 flu?
A The symptoms of H1N1 are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and may include:
• Fever (greater than 100°F or 37.8°C)
• Headache and body aches
• Chills
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Fatigue (extreme tiredness)
• Diarrhea and vomiting
Q What if I think I have the flu or have been exposed to someone with the flu?
A Contact your physician. They will determine if it is appropriate for you to take antiviral medications such as Tamiflu and Relenza, which can reduce the severity of the virus when taken within the first 48 hours of symptoms for some people.
• Special care may be needed to prevent complications from the flu if you have other conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, emphysema, or any other respiratory problem.
Q Should I be vaccinated?
AVaccination is the number one way to prevent getting the H1N1 flu. Please contact your physician to discuss getting both the seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccination.
Q When is a person with H1N1 contagious?
A The contagious period begins 1 day before symptoms begin and continues up to 7 days after the onset of symptoms or until symptoms are gone, whichever is longer. Persons are most contagious while fever is present.
Q What are the H1N1 flu emergency warning signs?
A Anyone with the following symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
In children:
• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish or gray skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• 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
• Fever with a rash
In adults:
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
Note: Never give children or teenagers Aspirin when they have the flu; this can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye’s syndrome.
Where to Get More Information
There are a number of resources where you can get more information about safe practices and standards to protect yourself from the H1N1virus. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your local office.We are here to help!Flu.gov website www.flu.govFlu.gov is a government site that provides helpful information and resources on the flu.CDC website www.cdc.gove/h1n1flu/freerescources.htm. This area of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides tools and information on the H1N1 virus.
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