 |
 H1N1 (Swine flu) Information for parents
Dr. Janara Huff, Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist discusses common concerns parents have about identifying and treating the H1N1 influenza virus.
 Watch video (9:31) [+/-]
|
 H1N1 (Swine flu) Information for parents
Pediatrician Dr. Joani Jack discusses common concerns parents have about identifying and treating the H1N1 influenza virus.
Watch video (9:57) [+/-]
|
 Read Dr. Alan Kohrt's interview with Rachal Withers on WRCB
TV
Novel
H1N1 (Swine) Flu and regular seasonal flu are both causing illness in
communities accross the United States. Currently, basic home care of persons
with the flu is the same for both types.
The signs
of Novel
H1N1 Flu (Swine
Flu) & Regular Seasonal Flu
The symptoms
of Novel H1N1 flu are the same as symptoms of regular influenza
and may
include some or
all of the following symptoms:
fever 100° F or higher
headache
sore throat
body
aches and extreme fatigue (tiredness)
coughing, sneezing, running nose
vomiting and diarrhea
What you
should do if you think you or a
family member
has the Novel
H1N1 Flu or Seasonal FluDON’T
BE ALARMED
First, do not be alarmed. Most cases of the flu cause
mild illness and do not require medical care.
The majority
of these cases
recover quickly with no problems. AVOID
CONTACT WITH OTHERS
Secondly, avoid contact with others. Staying
away from others is the most important thing you or a sick family member can do
to stop the spread of the flu. At home, keep the sick person in another room,
away from others for at least 7 days after becoming sick. If the person needs to
move around the house, he or she should wear a mask over his/her nose and mouth.
Most importantly, the sick person should not travel on airplanes or buses, and
should not go to work, school, church, or other public places. The CDC
recommends that you stay home
for at
least 24 hours
after your fever is gone. PRACTICE GOOD HYGIENE
If you or
someone in your household is sick, everyone around the sick person should wash
their hands frequently with either soap and warm water or by using an alcohol
based hand sanitizer. DO NOT share eating utensils, drinking glasses,
washcloths, towels, beds, pillows, etc., until everyone in the household has
been free of symptoms for 7 days. COVER YOUR MOUTH AND NOSE with a tissue when
you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the crook
of your elbow - NOT your hands. After using a tissue, clean your hands with soap
and water, or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching
your eyes, nose,
or mouth with your hands.
The best
way to treat the flu
The flu is
caused by a VIRUS and does NOT respond to antibiotics. The best
treatment is acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) as directed
on the bottle for fevers, headache, and body aches. It’s also important to drink
plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. This is especially important if you have high
fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. Also, H1N1 (Swine flu) is widespread so your
health care
provider may
decide not to
test for the H1N1 flu.
If and when
to seek
medical treatment for the flu
Sometimes it
is appropriate to seek medical treatment from your doctor. People who are more
likely to need medical treatment from their doctor are those who are very young,
have serious medical conditions such as cancer, HIV, severe diabetes, lung
disease, or are on dialysis. If you think you need medical treatment,
first CALL your doctor’s office.
Your doctor may want to speak with you over the
phone and recommend treatments, rather than have
you come
into the office,
where you can infect others.
If you go to your doctor’s office, WEAR A MASK
AND INFORM THE STAFF IMMEDIATELY that you have flu-like symptoms so that you
can be placed in an area away from other patients.
Most cases
of the flu DO NOT require treatment at the emergency
room.
When to
seek
emergency help for flu symptoms
Seek emergency
help if any of the following symptoms
develop: ADULTS:
confusion
severe headache not
improved by Tylenol or Ibuprofin
difficulty
breathing or shortness of breath
pain
in the chest or abdomen
fainting
continuous
or severe vomiting or diarrhea
flu-like
symptoms improve
and then return
with fever or worse cough
pregnant
women with flu-like
symptoms should seek medical care CHILDREN:
fast breathing or trouble breathing
bluish or gray skin color
not drinking enough fluids
not
waking up or
interacting with people as usual
being very irritable,
not wanting to be held
worsening fever and cough
fever
with rash
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -
www.cdc.gov
Chattanooga-Hamilton
County Health Department - www.health.hamiltontn.org/swineflu.aspx
Tennessee Hospital Association - www.tha.gov
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