What should I do if I develop symptoms of H1N1 Flu?

• Know the signs and symptoms of flu. Symptoms of flu include fever or chills, non-productive cough, muscle aches, fatigue, and sometimes also a scratchy or sore throat. In addition, flu can include runny nose, some headache, diarrhea, or vomiting.
• Stay home or in your room if you are sick. For at least 24 hours after there is no longer a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit) or signs of a fever (chills, feel warm, flushed, or sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen). Do not use aspirin. Stay away from others while sick to protect them from getting sick. Ask a ‘flu buddy’ or friend to check up on you and to bring food and supplies to your door if needed. Stay home longer if you are still coughing or ill after your fever resolves.     
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way. 
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective if soap and water are not available.
• Sick people should stay at home or in their residence, except to go to the health care provider’s office. Wear a mask if you are around others.
• Stay in a separate room and avoid contact with others. If someone is caring for you, wear a mask when they are in the room. Wear a mask if you use a common bathroom.
• Drink plenty of clear fluids (such as water, broth, sports drinks, and electrolyte beverages for infants) to keep from becoming dehydrated.
• Contact Taylor Health or your physician immediately if you are at higher risk for complications from flu- for treatment. People at higher risk for flu complications include children under the age of 5, pregnant women, people of any age who have chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or others), and people older than 64.
• Contact Taylor Health or your physician right away if you are short of breath, or if you are worsening. Also, if you are not improving daily and if you are not resolved in one week. Most cases of swine flu do not need a prescription, but some do.    
• Contact Taylor Health or your physician right away if you are concerned this might be an illness other than the swine flu.   
• For specific information on how to take care of someone who is sick, visit: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm. For more information about flu, call 1-800-CDC-INFO or visit www.flu.gov.