H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)
H1N1 Facts
Influenza is an infection of the lungs and airways caused by a virus. It usually affects people from November until April. You can protect yourself, and keep it from spreading, by taking some of the below precautions:
- Wash your hands often, using plenty of soap and warm water. If not possible, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer liquids.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues. Or if necessary, cough into the inside of your elbow sleeve area. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Stay away from others as much as possible when sick.
- Stay home from work, school, and errands if you become ill.
- Get plenty of rest, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
Although the H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) has been designated as a Pandemic Level 5, take into consideration that there are approximately 36,000 deaths each year in the United States due to seasonal flu. The most important thing you can do for yourself, your family, and your community is to not panic. Continue to go about your daily activities, and continue to send your children to school. Any closings of businesses, schools, etc. will be coordinated through the City of Ann Arbor Office of Emergency Management, and the Washtenaw County Public Health Department.
The following information has been extracted from CDC Q&A website:
What should I do if I get sick?
If you live in areas where swine influenza cases have been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, it is recommended that you contact your health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.
If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.
If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- 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
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
Additional information on the Swine Influenza can
be found at the following websites:
Washtenaw County Public Health Department (WCPH)
World Health Organization (WHO)
Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
PandemicFlu.gov