H1N1 Flu - How to stay healthy, what to do if you get sick Published Aug. 4, 2009 ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- People who experience influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea should stay home, unless seeking medical care, and avoid contact with others. People should avoid normal activities, including work, school, travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings. People should stay home until 24 hours after their fever has gone away (when not taking any fever-reducing medications). They can then go back to work or school, even if a cough is still present. However, there are exceptions. Daycare employees, children who attend daycare, health care workers, and people who have contact with others at high-risk of serious influenza complications (pregnant women, children less than 5 years old, and people with weakened immune systems) must remain at home for seven days or 24 hours symptom-free, whichever is longer. Use these tips care at home: People should contact a health care provider or seek medical care if they're experiencing severe illness or are at high risk for flu complications (example, over age 65, have chronic health problems such as asthma or diabetes). The health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed. If going to the medical group, people should take one of the sneeze bags located at the entrances and use the mask to cover the face. Steps to lessen the spread of flu at home: · Cover coughs and sneezes, and clean hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub often. Also, everyone else in the household should clean their hands often. · Throw away tissues and other disposable items that are used in the trash. Wash hands after touching used tissues and similar waste. · Keep surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, and toys for children) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant. · Linens, eating utensils and dishes should not be shared without washing thoroughly first, but they do not need to be washed separately. Wash linens (such as bed sheets and towels) by using household laundry soap and tumble dry on a hot setting. Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap. · Keep away from other household members as much as possible. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further. This is especially important if other household members are at high risk for complications from influenza. Home care tips by age group: 0-3 months: - For fevers more than 100.4, see health care provider - Use nasal saline with bulb suctioning as needed for congestion - Smaller, more frequent feedings 3 months - 1 year: - Use nasal saline with bulb suctioning as needed for congestion - Tylenol as needed for fever or pain (Motrin can be used for 6 months and older) - Smaller, more frequent feedings 1-5 years: - Nasal saline with bulb suctioning as needed for congestion - No over-the-counter cough or cold medication - Tylenol or Motrin as needed for fever or pain 6-18 years: - Over-the-counter medication to treat symptoms - Ensure over-the-counter products don't have Tylenol/acetaminophen to avoid a Tylenol overdose - Tylenol or Motrin as needed for fever - Rest 18-65 years: - Over-the-counter medication to treat symptoms - Tylenol or Motrin as needed for fever - Ensure over-the-counter products don't have Tylenol/acetaminophen to avoid a Tylenol overdose 65+ years: - Contact primary care provider for further guidance due to possible medication interactions When to seek emergency medical care: · difficulty breathing or chest pain · purple or blue discoloration of the lips · vomiting and unable to keep liquids down · signs of dehydration such as dizziness when standing, absence of urination; in infants, a lack of tears when they cry · seizures (uncontrolled convulsions) · less responsive than normal or confused If possible, call the emergency room at 580-5555 to inform them you've already been diagnosed with H1N1 flu before going in. Steps to prevent illness: · Cover nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Throw the tissue in the trash after it has been used. · Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective when hands are not visibly dirty. · Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way. · Try to avoid close contact with sick people. There is no vaccine available right now to protect against H1N1 flu. Active-duty members should call the 3rd Medical Group Flight Medicine Clinic at 551-4006 if they develop flu-like symptoms. Dependents should contact their primary care manager. For more information click here or visit www.pandemicflu.alaska.gov, www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu or call Public Health at 551-4000. (Information courtesy of 3rd Medical Group)