With the H1N1 flu in the news, being prepared for flu season is especially important. Prevention is the best approach. Wash your hands frequently and use a hand sanitizer often. Flu germs can be picked up from door knobs, shared computer keyboards or pens, supermarket carriage handles and shaking hands. Cough into your elbow, not your hand.

The Center for Disease Control recommends a routine flu shot and one H1N1 immunization for people ages 6 months to 24, those who care for children under 6 months, pregnant women, healthcare workers and people ages 25 to 64 with chronic health conditions.

 

Before the flu hits, prepare a flu kit. Have plenty of fluids, cough medicine, acetaminophen or ibuprofen (not aspirin), tissues and a thermometer handy. If you get the flu, stay home. If your flu symptoms–cough, sniffles, fever, body aches–become more severe, contact your primary care provider about H1N1 testing. With any flu, limit visitors, sanitize eating utensils, dishes, counters and bed tray tables with sanitizing wipes and throw away
used tissues. Wearing a mask and gloves when caring for someone with the flu can limit its spread.

 

Do I need to go the emergency room if I am only a little sick?
No. The emergency room should be used for people who are very sick.You should not go to the emergency room if you are only mildly ill. If you have the emergency warning signs of flu sickness, you should go to the emergency room. If you get sick with flu symptoms and are at high risk of flu complications or you are concerned about your illness, call your health care provider for advice. If you go to the emergency room and you are not sick with the flu, you may catch it from people who do have it

 

Fast breathing or trouble breathing
Bluish 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

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting

CMC is working with the NH Department of Health and Human Services and the Center for Disease Control to educate people on H1N1 and limit its impact.

 

Click here for an H1N1 Fact Sheet, supplied by NH Department of Health and Human Services.

 

For the latest information on H1N1, contact ASK-A-NURSE at 626.2626 or the Center for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov.