H1N1 Novel Influenza is circulating in our community. It is caused by a virus that attacks the nose, throat, and lungs. The symptoms are similar to seasonal influenza and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea. Some people may have respiratory symptoms without a fever.

We have found that in general symptoms are mildly to moderately severe for most people and do not require a visit to the doctor.

Anyone experiencing these symptoms will probably be sick for at least 3 - 5 days. Medications for symptom relief should be taken as needed for fever and pain, such as Tylenol, Advil, Motrin or Nuprin, and cough medicine. Follow the dosing directions on the medication container.

• Do not give aspirin or products that contain aspirin 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.

If you are pregnant or have a chronic health condition such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma or HIV, check with your healthcare provider about any special care you may need.

Stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone, except to get medical care or for other necessities. The fever should be gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine. Children who are younger than kindergarten age should stay home for 7 days after their symptoms started or 24 hours after their acute symptoms are gone, whichever is longer. Children should not go back to childcare or preschool until they are well enough to participate in activities. This is to keep from spreading the illness to others. Influenza is spread when a person with flu coughs or sneezes or when a person touches something with flu viruses on it and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth.

During the illness, drink clear fluids to keep from being dehydrated. Adults need 2 - 3 quarts of fluids per day to prevent dehydration and young children need 1 quart of fluids per day. Fluids include beverages such as water, broth, decaffenated tea, sports drinks or Pedialyte for children. You can also try ice chips or frozen popcicles.

Seek emergency care by calling 911 or your healthcare provider if….

Your child experiences any of the following:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing 
• Bluish or gray skin color 
• Has fever above 101º F that cannot be reduced
• 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 
• Has seizures or uncontrolled movements 
• Is unable to move an arm or leg 
• 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 
• Has fever above 104º F that cannot be reduced
• Severe or persistent vomiting 
• Has seizures or uncontrolled movements 
• Is unable to move an arm or leg 
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Keep emergency contact phone numbers close at hand, so you’ll know where to find them if needed.

Other things you can do to keep the illness from spreading include:

• Throwing tissues and other disposable items used by the sick person in the trash as soon as possible. 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. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth to prevent the spread of germs.
• Avoid sharing anything that goes into the mouth such as drinking cups and straws. 
• Frequently clean commonly touched surfaces (door knobs, refrigerator handles, phones, water faucets, toys, table surfaces).

University of Minnesota Physicians is providing this information as a service to our patients. We hope it has been helpful.

For more detailed information about influenza home care, visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu.

Emergency, Community and Health Outreach has created a resouce for people seeking H1N1 novel influenze information in multiple languages