Swine Flu Update
Below are the updated recommendations and guidance on the H1N1 flu from CDC as of October 22, 2009 to parents and patients:
You will probably be sick for several days with fever and respiratory symptoms.
Take Medications as Prescribed:
- Continue to cover your cough and wash your hands often, even when taking antiviral medications, to prevent spreading influenza to others.
- Call the office if you (or your child) experience any side effects; i.e. nausea, vomiting, rash, or unusual behavior.
- Take medications for symptom relief as needed for fever and pain such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, Nuprin ®), and cough medicine. These medicines do not need to be taken regularly if your symptoms improve.
- Do not give aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) or products that contain aspirin (e.g. bismuth subsalicylate – Pepto Bismol) to children or teenagers 18 years old or younger.
- Take all of the antiviral medication as directed. Antiviral medications may be prescribed for hospitalized patients and outpatients who are at high risk for complication
- Children younger than 4 years of age should not be given over-the-counter cold medications without first speaking with a health care provider.
Seek Emergency Care
If your child experiences any of the following:
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish or gray skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- 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
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
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Follow These Home Care Recommendations:
- Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine.)
- Keep away from others as much as possible. This is to keep from making others sick.
- Drink clear fluids (such as water, broth, sports drinks, electrolyte beverages for infants) to keep from being dehydrated.
- Dishes can be done in dishwasher or with hot soapy water.
- Throw away tissues and other disposable items used by the sick person in the trash. Wash your hands after touching used tissues and similar waste.
- Have everyone in the household wash hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. *
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
Guidance for Patients from the CDC:
Guidance for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women
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