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H2N2: From Experts

 

How do I know if I have the flu?

  • fever (although not everyone with flu with have a fever)
  • cough
  • sore throat
  • runny or stuffy nosse
  • body aches
  • headache
  • chills
  • fatigue
  • sometimes diarrhea and vomitting

H1N1 Flu
If you get sick with flu-like symptoms this flu season, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people except to get medical care. Most people with 2009 H1N1 have had mild illness and have not needed medical care or antiviral drugs and the same is true of seasonal flu.

With all the headlines about the global H1N1 influenza (swine flu) pandemic, you might be worried about keeping your family safe. But the truth is, there's no reason to panic. Right now, there's no evidence that H1N1 flu is any worse — or more dangerous — than the common seasonal flu.

Still, it's important to take precautions, like washing your hands often. Read on to see what you can do to protect your family and care for kids with flu-like symptoms.

September 25, 2009

With the spread of the pandemic HIN1 2009 influenza virus, commonly known as "swine flu," many doctors and hospitals have increased their use of rapid influenza diagnostic tests that can determine within minutes whether you have the flu. However, these rapid tests can not distinguish seasonal influenza from the pandemic H1N1 virus and overall these rapid flu tests often don't detect pandemic H1N1 influenza very well, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
    Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
    Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
    Germs spread this way.
  • Stay home if you are sick for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer.
    This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.
  • Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
The international prevalence and ongoing nature of H1N1 Flu (swine flu) together with speculation that it could become a more serious illness later this year can be anxiety producing. You can begin to prepare now by taking the following steps to manage your anxiety and maintain a positive outlook.
 

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