H1N1 Influenza:Care Guide

H1N1 Influenza: What You Need To Know to as a Patient or Parent

By Paul Parks RN LNC

Recently I have had clients ask me about what is going to happen this fall regarding the H1N1 flu.
First it is important for you to know a little background about this new flu strain. Novel H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. Other countries, including Mexico and Canada, have reported people sick with this new virus. This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. This virus was originally referred to as “swine flu” because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs in North America. But further study has shown that this new virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs. It has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia and avian genes and human genes. Scientists call this a "quadruple reassortant" virus. Are there human infections with novel H1N1 virus in the U.S.?
Yes. Cases of human infection with novel H1N1 influenza virus were first confirmed in the U.S. in Southern California and near Guadalupe County, Texas. The outbreak intensified rapidly from that time and more and more states have been reporting cases of illness from this virus. An updated case count of confirmed novel H1N1 flu infections in the United States is kept at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/update.htm. CDC and local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation.
Is novel H1N1 virus contagious?
CDC has determined that novel H1N1 virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it is not known how easily the virus spreads between people. What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in people?
The symptoms of novel H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Also, like seasonal flu, severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus. Can I get infected with novel H1N1 virus from eating or preparing pork?
No. Novel H1N1 viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get infected with novel HIN1 virus from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.
What you can do for yourself or a loved one who might have H1N1 flu. The Center for disease control has direct doctor to patient or parent guidelines that should be followed when sick with the flu or flu like symptoms. Take all of the antiviral medication as directed, remember that antibiotics DO NOT work for viruses, so never take antibiotics on your own this could lead to a super infection like MRSA.

* 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.
* 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 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer
* 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. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.

For more detailed information about novel H1N1 home care, visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu or call 1-800-CDC-INFO The Swine Flu Survival Guide Click Here!