INFLUENZA and YOU - For Patients who are NOT Pregnant

Patients who are NOT pregnant

If you have a scheduled appointment and you have influenza symptoms *****PLEASE call ahead to discuss your symptoms with our nursing staff.  Your appointment may be rescheduled to a later date when you are well.  THIS is VERY IMPORTANT in protecting the health of our patients and staff.

 

What is H1N1 novel influenza?

H1N1 novel influenza is a respiratory illness caused by a virus.  H1N1 is an influenza that can cause infection in humans.

What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1 novel influenza?

Fever above 100 degrees F, body aches, chills, sore throat, cough, runny nose, headache, fatigue.  In some cases diarrhea and vomiting have been reported.  Rhinovirus, which is the most frequent cause of the common cold, does not usually cause fever in adults.

How does H1N1 influenza spread?

When a person with the flu coughs or sneezes.  Touching something with flu virus on it and then touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Patients with Symptoms of flu

1. STAY HOME if NOT at high risk** for complications
2. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue every time you cough or sneeze.  Throw used tissue in the waste basket.  If you do not have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve.
3. Wash your hands often with warm water and soap (for 20 seconds) or use an alcohol based hand cleaner.
4. Avoid close contact with people as much as possible, including avoiding travel and not going to work or school for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone EXCEPT to get medical care or for other necessities.
5. Call your primary care provider to determine if you need influenza testing or treatment.

**High Risk Patients (Patients at higher risk for complications)

• Persons aged 65 years or older
• adolescents (less than 18) who receive long term aspirin therapy
• adults with chronic lung, heart, kidney disorders or diabetes
• adults who have HIV or have a suppressed immune system (i.e. Chemotherapy patients)

Emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• sudden dizziness
• confusion
• severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms get better, but then return with a fever and worse cough

** If you have any of the above symptoms, you need to go to the ER or Urgent Care.  If possible wear a face mask to the ER or Urgent Care to protect those around you.

 

 

 

 

Breastfeeding patients

• Do not stop breastfeeding if you are ill.  Breastfeed early and often.
• The safest method is to pump the breast milk and have someone who is not ill feed and care for the infant.
• Limit formula feeding if you can.  this will help to protect your baby from infection.
• If no one else is available to feed the baby, wear a surgical mask to feed the infant.
• Be careful, do not sneeze or cough in the baby's face.
• Use good hand washing or alcohol based hand cleaner.

For more information:  http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1/infantfeeding.com

and

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/obstetric.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/pregnancy/

posted 9-15-09

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