Provided by A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital and Bassett Healthcare.
When do I see my doctor?
Most cases of flu can be cared for at home, with symptoms controlled by over-the-counter medication. If symptoms don’t improve or become worse, medical care may be needed.
Seek emergency care if:
• You have difficulty breathing or chest pain
• Have purple or blue discoloration of the lips
• Are vomiting and unable to keep liquids down
• Have signs of dehydration such as dizziness when standing, absence of urination, or in infants, a lack of tears when they cry
• Experience seizures (for example, uncontrolled convulsions) or become confused
Why do I need to wear a mask?
You may be asked to wear a mask while in the hospital or clinic building of you have signs of illness such as coughing, sneezing or fever.
What can I do to prevent the spread of flu?
Hygiene and sanitation are the best protection from flu. Coughing and sneezing into your elbow instead of your hand, and washing your hands or using hand sanitizer frequently, can help stop germs from spreading.
What's the difference between swine flu and seasonal flu?
The 2009 H1N1 flu is a new flu virus and is very different from seasonal flu viruses in that it appears to mostly strike a younger population.
What are the highest risk groups for complications from swine flu?
The people most vulnerable are pregnant women; those ages 6 months through 24 years; and adults ages 25 through 64 with an underlying medical condition.
What should I do if I think I have the flu?
Over-the-counter cold and flu medicines can control most flu symptoms. However, influenza infections can lead to or occur with bacterial infections. Therefore, some people will also need to take antibiotics. When your symptoms don’t improve or get worse, you should seek medical care. Otherwise:
• stay home for at least 24 hours after fever is gone or 7 days from onset of symptoms, except to seek medical care or for other necessities. (Fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
• get plenty of rest
• drink clear fluids (such as water, broth, sports drinks, electrolyte beverages for infants) to keep from being dehydrated
• cover coughs and sneezes, and wash hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
What prescription medications are available to treat flu?
The CDC has recommended two antiviral drugs for use this season. Health care providers may use them to treat people who are very sick, or who are at risk for serious complications. Most healthy people with flu, however, do not need to be treated with antiviral drugs.
What is the difference between the nasal-spray vaccine and the flu shot?
Flu shots are made of an inactive, killed flu virus. Anyone who doesn't have an egg allergy can get the flu shot, which is injected into the muscle.
The nasal spray FluMist is sprayed into the nose. It is only for use in healthy people ages 2 to 49. It's made of live but weakened flu virus that has been treated so that it can't cause disease. It is not recommended for pregnant women.
How do I know if I should be vaccinated?
Talk to your pimary care physician or other health care provider. Based on your medical history and situation, they will determine the best course of action for you.
How do I get vaccinated?
Your doctor may be able to administer the vaccine. Clinics are also being scheduled as vaccine becomes available. Many clinics are open only to specific risk groups, such as children or pregnant women. Watch for announcements about clinics in your area, or ask your doctor of health care provider for more information.
