Know the H1N1 flu symptoms

People with the H1N1 flu should only leave their home for medical help wearing a mask or covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue, U.S. health officials say.

Officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta expect that H1N1 flu illnesses may continue for some time and people should recognize the symptoms, which are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue and some report diarrhea and vomiting.

It is expected that most people will recover without needing medical care, but if you have severe illness o are at high risk for flu complications, contact your healthcare provider who will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed.

In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

-- 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.

Source: United Press International