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What Do To If You Get Flu-Like Symptoms

The novel H1N1 flu (“swine flu”) is caused by a virus similar to seasonal flu. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, tiredness, aches, chills and stuffy nose. H1N1 flu spreads by:

• Coughs or sneezes.
  
• Unclean hands

Although some cases have turned fatal, it is expected that most people who contract H1N1 will recover without seeking medical attention. Tips for effective home care.

• Flu is widespread in Salt Lake County.
• Most influenza A strains that have been tested are novel H1N1 influenza A.

PDF version (177 KB)

Are you high risk for complications?

People at higher risk of flu complications include:

• Babies under 2 years.
• Seniors.
• Pregnant women.
• People with asthma, diabetes or other chronic conditions affecting the heart, lungs, blood, liver or kidneys.
• People with weakened immune systems (ex. w/HIV).
• People under 18 on long-term aspirin therapy.

Are your symptoms severe?

Are you experiencing:

1. Difficult, painful or rapid breathing?
2. Slow, weak breathing?
3. Shortness of breath?
4. Chest pain? 
5. Extreme drowsiness and difficulty awakening?
6. Disorientation or confusion?
7. Constant vomiting or diarrhea? (especially in elderly person or young children)
8. Coughing up blood?
9. Blue lips, tongue or face?
   

10. Too weak to move your arms or legs?
11. Are you feeling better, then suddenly experiencing a high fever or repeat illness?
12. Has it been more than 12 hours since you urinated?

If you answered no to all of the above symptoms:

• Your illness is not severe and can be treated at home. Tips for effective home care.

If you answered yes to any of the above symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
 

Avoid Contact With Others

• If you are sick, you may be ill for a week or longer. 
• You should stay home and avoid contact with other persons, except to seek medical care.
• If you leave the house to seek medical care, wear a mask or cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
• In general you should avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness.
• With seasonal flu, studies have shown that people may be contagious from one day before they develop symptoms to up to 7 days after they get sick. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

Treatment is Available for Those Who Are Seriously III

• Most people will recover without needing medical care.
• Treatment is available for those who need it in the Salt Lake Valley through private physicians.

If you have severe illness, seek medical care.

If you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider.

• Health care providers are no longer testing for H1N1 influenza. If your doctor determines that you have influenza, they will treat you accordingly.

Antiviral Drugs

Antiviral drugs can be given to treat those who become severely ill with influenza. These antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that help limit the severity and duration of influenza. These medications must be prescribed by a health care professional.

• Antivirals are not available at any SLVHD health clinic.

There are two influenza antiviral medications that are recommended for use against H1N1 flu. The drugs that are used for treating H1N1 flu are called oseltamivir (trade name Tamiflu ®) and zanamivir (Relenza ®).

• Oseltamivir (Tamiflu ®) Fact Sheet (77 KB)
• Zanamivir (Relenza ®) Fact Sheet (27 KB)

Fever Reducers

Aspirin or aspirin-containing products (e.g. bismuth subsalicylate – Pepto Bismol) should not be administered to any confirmed or suspected ill case of novel influenza A (H1N1) virus infection aged 18 years old and younger due to the risk of Reye syndrome. For relief of fever, other anti-pyretic medications are recommended such as acetaminophen or non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

• Check ingredient labels on over-the-counter cold and flu medications to see if they contain aspirin.
• Teenagers with the flu can take medicines without aspirin, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, Nuprin®), to relieve symptoms.
• Children younger than 4 years of age should not be given over-the-counter cold medications without first speaking with a healthcare provider.
  

Protect Yourself, Your Family, and Community

• Stay informed. Health officials will provide additional information as it becomes available. Stay up-to-date with our H1N1 email alerts and this website.
  
• 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.
  
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
  
• If you are sick with a flu-like illness, stay home until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours. Keep away from other household members as much as possible. This is to keep you from infecting others and spreading the virus further.
• Follow these extra tips for taking care of yourself when ill.
  
• Learn more about taking care of someone else who is ill in your home.
  
• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds, and other social distancing measures, if applicable.
  
• Are you prepared? If you don’t have one yet, consider developing a family emergency plan as a precaution. This should include storing a supply of extra food, over-the-counter medicines, tissues, sanitizer and other essential supplies. Further information can be found in the "Flu Planning Checklist."