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Symptoms & Treatment
Symptoms:
H1N1 flu symptoms often begin abruptly and mimic seasonal influenza:
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Fever, usually 100.4 or higher
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Severe body aches
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Cough and/or sore throat
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Fatigue
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Headache
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Vomiting and diarrhea are possible (more common in children than adults)
Is It a Cold or the Flu? |
||
Symptoms |
Cold |
Flu |
| Fever | Rare | Usual; high (100.4 F to 102 F) is typical; lasts 3 to 4 days |
| Headache | Rare | Common |
| General Aches, Pain | Slight | Usual; often severe and sudden |
| Fatigue, Weakness | Sometimes | Usual; can last up to 2 to 3 weeks |
| Exhaustion | Never | Usual; at the beginning of the illness |
| Stuffy Nose | Common | Sometimes |
| Sneezing | Usual | Sometimes |
| Sore Throat | Common | Sometimes |
| Chest Discomfort, Cough | Mild to moderate; hacking cough | Common; can become severe |
Treatment |
Antihistamines Decongestants Advil (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Aleve (naproxen) |
Advil (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Aleve (naproxen); Antivirals only as advised by physician |
Prevention |
Wash your hands often; Avoid others with a cold | Vaccination; wash your hands; cover your cough; stay home if ill |
Treatment:
When you are sick with an influenza like illness:
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Rest
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Stay home and avoid contact with other people except to get medical care or for other necessities.
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Fluids – water, tea, sports drinks, etc.
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Cover your nose and mouth with a fresh tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. DO NOT RE-USE TISSUES
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Fevers and aches can be treated with Tylenol® (acetaminophen) or Advil® (ibuprofen) or Aleve®(naproxen).. Make sure to check the ingredients label on all over-the-counter medicines to ensure that you are not double dosing on certain medications. Warning! Do not give aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) to children or teenagers who have the flu; this can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye’s syndrome.
According to the CDC, most people who get H1N1 will be able to take care of themselves at home without needing medical care. If, however, you have a chronic medical condition (such as asthma, diabetes or other conditions affecting the heart, lungs, blood, liver or kidneys, weakened immune system, etc.); are pregnant; or if you begin experiencing any of the signs of complication outlined below, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Individuals exhibiting influenza like symptoms are strongly urged to stay at home until they have been free of fever for 24 hours. Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever reducing medication.
Signs of Complications:
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
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Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
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Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
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Sudden dizziness that does not pass
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Confusion
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Severe or persistent vomiting
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Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough