BGH answers common flu questions

Flu season is once again upon us, complicated this year by the introduction of the H1N1 (“swine”) flu, which appeared in the United States in April 2009.  Bonner General Hospital is working very closely with Panhandle Health District and a region-wide emergency preparedness network to ensure we are ready to deal with this influenza.  Below are the CDC’s answers to the most commonly asked questions about this flu and tips on what to do if you get sick. 

What is H1N1 flu?

H1N1 is a new flu virus causing illness in people.  It was first detected in the United States in April 2009 and is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.

What are the symptoms of H1N1 flu?

The symptoms of swine flu are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and may include:

• Fever, chills

• Sore throat and/or cough, headache, body aches

• Fatigue, runny or stuffy nose

• Diarrhea, vomiting, nausea

What should I do if I get sick?

If you get sick, stay home and avoid contact with other people except to get medical care.  Get plenty of rest, drink clear fluids and take over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce fever and body aches. You should stay home until symptoms are gone and you’ve had no fever for at least 24 hours without the aid of fever-reducing medication, such as aspirin or Tylenol.

Are some people at higher risk than others?

Yes.  Some people are more likely to become very ill if they catch the H1N1 flu virus:  people over 65, children under 5, pregnant women and people of any age with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, heart or lung problems or diabetes.  If you are in one of these groups, check with your doctor about special care you may need. 

Should I go to the emergency room?

Unless you have emergency warning signs of the flu (see below), you should not go to the emergency room.  If you go to the emergency room and do not have the flu, you may catch it from others who do have it.  If you get sick with flu symptoms and are at high risk of flu complications or are concerned about your illness, call your healthcare provider for advice. 

What are the emergency warning signs of the flu?

If you or your child has these conditions, you should seek immediate medical attention.

• Children: trouble breathing, not drinking enough liquids, vomiting severely, not waking up, irritability or symptoms return after improving.

• Adults: trouble breathing, chest or abdominal pains, dizziness or confusion, vomiting or symptoms return after improving.

Remember that one of the best preventative measures you can take is to simply use common sense. We encourage everyone to help slow the spread of the flu by getting flu vaccinations (both seasonal and H1N1) and practicing basic flu-prevention measures, such as regular hand washing.

• Lynda Metz is the Director of Community Development at Bonner General Hospital.  The information in this article was provided courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Panhandle Health District.  For more information and current flu updates, visit the hospital’s website at www.BonnerGeneral.org.