H1N1 Flu Facts

Important facts about H1N1 Flu

Kentucky is one of several states in the nation that is reporting widespread activity of the flu. The H1N1 Flu began appearing in the United States in late March and early April of 2009. The virus spreads mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with the virus.

Symptoms of the H1N1 Flu are: sudden onset of illness, fever higher than 100.4 degrees, chills, cough that is dry and hacking, headache, sore throat, stuffy nose, muscle aches, feeling of weakness and diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain and/or exhaustion in children.

Individuals with mild symptoms of the flu should consult with their healthcare provider as needed. Treat symptoms as needed, and drink lots of fluids and get plenty of rest. Individuals should seek emergency medical attention promptly if the following symptoms occur: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion or severe or persistent vomiting.

Healthcare providers encourage individuals to get the seasonal flu vaccine as well as the H1N1 flu vaccine. Other precautions that individuals can take to prevent the spread of flu viruses include: washing their hands often with soap and water or using an alcohol-based gel, covering their nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing and throwing the tissue in the trash, coughing or sneezing into your elbow or sleeve if a tissue is not available and avoiding touching the eyes, mouth and nose.

Individuals should also avoid crowded places where people are confined in an indoor space, and they should stay home from work or other public areas if they are sick. Children should be kept home from daycare or school if they are sick. Individuals may return to work, school or public areas only after they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours.

Individuals seeking treatment for flu-like symptoms are asked to wear a surgical mask while inside the hospital. The masks are provided at the registration areas.