H1N1 Flu

Think you have H1N1 Flu?

H1N1 flu is also known as the swine flu. H1N1 is just another strain of influenza. If diagnosed with H1N1, treat as you would seasonal flu. Most people will recover from both varieties of the flu in a few days, although they may experience fatigue for several weeks.

For some people, though, flu is a much more serious illness that requires hospitalization. In extreme cases, the flu can lead to pneumonia or death.

The first line of flu prevention is to get your seasonal flu shot AND H1N1 flu vaccine.

For more information on H1N1 flu and the H1N1 vaccine, please go to www.flu.gov.

Topics about H1N1:
• >> Symptoms of H1N1
• >> When to stay home
• >> When to call your doctor
• >> Other effective prevention measures
• >> H1N1 Vaccine
• >> Visiting Restrictions (Peoria, IL Area)

Symptoms of H1N1:

Symptoms of H1N1 Flu include:

• Body aches
• Chills
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Some people also have diarrhea and vomiting.

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When to stay home:

• If you suffer from flu-like symptoms including: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue, the best remedy is to stay home, get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids.  Take Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen for a fever unless your doctor has told you not to.
• Do not return to work/school until you have been without a fever (without the use of medication) for more than 24 hours. If you are still using medication to keep fever away, DO NOT return to work/school.

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When to call your doctor:

If your symptoms become worse after several days. 

There are some warning signs that require emergency medical treatment. For children these include:

• Rapid or difficulty breathing
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Extreme lethargy
• Not waking up
• High fever with flu-like symptoms and a rash (which may improve only to return)
• Bluish skin color

In adults, emergency warning signs include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness and confusion
• Severe vomiting or diarrhea
• Confusion

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Other effective prevention measures:

• 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 that way.
• Use disinfectants on frequently touched surfaces. Germs can also be spread when a person touches an infected surface and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose.

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H1N1 Vaccine

It generally takes about 7-10 days to develop best immunity after receiving the vaccine.

Those who should receive the H1N1 vaccine as soon as it is available includes:

• pregnant women
• caregivers of infants less than 6 months old
• children 6 months - 24 years old
• people with chronic health care conditions such as asthma and diabetes
• patient care providers  (nurses, doctors, techs)

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Visiting Restrictions - Peoria, IL Area

In light of the growing numbers of H1N1 influenza cases in central Illinois, OSF Saint Francis Medical Center and Children's Hospital of Illinois, in conjunction with Methodist Medical Center, Proctor Hospital, and Pekin Hospital, are restricting the age of visitors to their facilities.

Effective immediately, and until further notice, hospital visitors will be limited to those 12 years of age and older. In addition, it is strongly recommended that anyone showing flu or H1N1 like symptoms please refrain from visiting patients in the hospital.  

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