Most
people who get the H1N1 swine flu virus will have a mild flu-like illness that
does not require a doctor's visit or antiviral medications. In these cases,
it's best to stay at home until you have had no fever (without the use of
fever-reducing medications) for at least 24 hours. Be sure to cover coughs and
sneezes with a tissue and wash your hands frequently to avoid spreading the
virus.
People
who are at higher risk for complications if they develop the flu:
- Children younger than 5 years old
- People 65 and older
- Pregnant women
- People who have
- Cancer;
- Blood disorders (including sickle cell disease);
- Chronic lung disease (including asthma or obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD]);
- Diabetes;
- Heart, Kidney orliverdisorders;
- Neurological disorders and neuromuscular disorders (including muscular dystrophy andmultiple sclerosis);
- Weakened immune systems (including people with AIDS).
WARNING SIGNS: Seek medical care immediately (emergency)
In
children
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing,
- Bluish skin colour,
- Reduced milk and water intake,
- Not waking up or not interacting,
- Child is so much Irritable that he/she does not want to be held,
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough,
- Fever with a rash.
In
adults
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath,
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen,
- Sudden dizziness,
- Confusion,
- Severe or persistent vomiting.
