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1. What if I get the H1N1 Flu?
The CDC has an excellent page of advice at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/sick.htm
Most adults will have fever to 103 and muscle aches,
cough, and feel like they were hit by a truck. Some will not have
fever, and some will have diarrhea.
Those with mild illness stay home, drink fluids,
rest, and stay away from others.
Those with more severe illness should seek treatment
with Tamiflu. Treatment in the first 48 hours of illness is most
effective.
Those with underling medical conditions, over 65,
pregnant, or immunosuppression should be treated with Tamiflu. Underlying
medical conditions include
- Asthma
or chronic lung disease
- Cardiac
or vascular disease
- Cardiac
or vascular disease
- Kidney
disease or dialysis
- Diabetes
- Alzheimer's
or cognitive disorders
- Neuromuscular
disorders
- Immunosuppressive
drugs or HIV
- Very
obese
Very sick people should seek immediate medical
attention and may need to be hospitalized. Danger signs
include difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain
or pressure, persistent vomiting, confusion, dizziness, or a
return of flu symptoms after initial improvement. People
with these symptoms should be evaluated promptly in an Emergency Room.
2. How do I know if it is H1N1?
99% of influenza in NH at present is H1N1. During
an epidemic, we do not send off tests, because treatment decisions
have to be made before results are back. If it looks like influenza,
it is H1N1 this season.
3. Is H1N1 worse than seasonal flu?
The illness so far has been no worse than the annual
seasonal flu. But few people have immunity to this virus, and it
spreads very efficiently, so we expect many people to be home with
illness at the same time. So it does not seem to make you sicker,
but it can make many people sick at once.
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