H1N1 influenza are similar to the tradition flu and include:
Sudden onset
Fever
Headache
Extreme tiredness
Dry cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Muscle aches
Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur but are more common in children than adults
What to do if you suspect your or a loved one have influenza-like symptoms?
Q. What to do if I get sick? A.If you become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people. CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever is officially gone when your body temperature is normal without the use of a fever-reducing medicine, such as ibuprofen).Stay away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick. This means avoiding normal activities, including work, school, sports, travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings. Q.Should I go to my doctor if I am sick? A.It is expected that most people will recover without needing medical care.If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care.If you experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care: In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
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
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
TESTING: Testing for H1N1 is expensive and results take approximately 5-7 days recieve. If you have the classic symptoms of influenza assume you have H1N1 and care for yourself accordingly.
The only testing that should be done according to state lab guidelines are:
(H1N1) testing is recommended for:
• Patients who are or will be hospitalized with severe respiratory illness
• Pregnant women who have signs and symptoms of influenza
• Healthcare personnel with signs and symptoms of influenza
• Residents or staff of residential facilities (e.g., long term care, prisons, CBRFs)
Testing is not recommended for:
• Persons with mild illness
• Family members of a person with known or suspect H1N1 influenza
Is there a treatment for H1N1? What are Antivirals?
Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that can be used to treat H1N1 flu, or to prevent infection with H1N1 flu viruses. These medications must be prescribed by a health care professional.
If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious influenza complications. The sooner a sick person is treated with an antiviral, the greater effect it will have on the patient’s recovery.
Influenza antiviral drugs also can be used to prevent influenza when they are given to a person who is not ill, but who has been or may be near a person with H1N1 influenza. When used to prevent the flu, antiviral drugs are about 70% to 90% effective.
Only two, oseltamivir and zanamivir are effective in treating H1N1 flu.