The following are at risk for a more serious course of flu or complications:
· Pregnant women
· Those with preexisting medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney failure, and respiratory disease
· Infants and young children
· The elderly
· The immune compromised
· Medically fragile individuals
· People who live in group setting such as prisons or migrant labor camps
· People who might delay medical care for financial reasons
Treatment of Swine Flu H1N1
Antiviral treatments (such as Tamiflu and Relenza) are available and are most effective if begun within two days of the onset of symptoms. Discuss side effects with your prescribing doctor before deciding upon treatment. Antiviral treatments are not recommended for infants under one year of age. Follow your physician’s recommendations for relief from aches and cough and to manage diarrhea and vomiting. Do not go to the Emergency Department for flu-like symptoms. In the online article “Swine Influenza and You,” the CDC recommends urgent or emergency care for the following symptoms:
· Shortness of breath, breathing too fast, pain with deep breaths
· Uncontrollable vomiting
· Signs of dehydration: decreased urine production, crying without tears, eyes or inside of mouth appear dry, refusal or inability to drink
· Worsening fever and cough
· Chest or abdominal pain
· Skin appears blue or gray, especially around eyes, nose, and mouth
· Rash with fever
· Confusion
· Dizziness
· In children: irritable, cannot be consoled, does not want to be held; cannot wake up, excessively sleepy, does not interact
Links to Frequently Updated Swine Flu H1N1 Information
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/swineflu_you.htm
CDC article “Swine Influenza and You.”
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm
CDC article “Taking care of a person with Influenza A H1N1 Swine Flu in Your Home.”
You might also enjoy:
Swine Flu H1N1 Fast Facts Part 1: Spread and Prevention
Swine Flu H1N1 Fast Facts Part 3: Proper Handwashing
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