Feeling Sick?
The flu is different from the common cold. But symptoms of seasonal flu and novel H1N1 flu are very similar. With flu, one or more of these symptoms come on suddenly — about 48 to 72 hours after contact with the virus:
- Fever (usually high)
- Headache
- Extreme tiredness
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle aches
- Occasionally, stomach symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Urgent Warning Signs
If these symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately.
In adults:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting.
In children:
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- 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
- Fever with a rash.
High Risk Groups
Most people who get seasonal flu or novel H1N1 flu recover within a few days to two weeks. But others, especially those in high risk categories, face more serious complications such as pneumonia and even death.
Seasonal Flu High Risk Groups |
Novel H1N1 High Risk Groups |
| People over 65 years of age | Young adults 18 – 24 years of age. |
| Children younger than 2 years old | Children birth to 18 years of age |
| People of any age who have chronic medical conditions (e.g. diabetes, asthma, congestive heart failure, lung disease) | People of any age who have chronic medical conditions (e.g. diabetes, asthma, congestive heart failure, lung disease) |
| Pregnant women | Pregnant women |
Treating the Flu
If your symptoms are mild and you are healthy, you may not need to see a doctor or take medicine.
But if your symptoms are severe or if you are in a high risk group, see your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can give you antiviral medications to help you recover faster and lower your risk of passing the virus on to others.
- Never give aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) to children or teenagers who have the flu; this can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye’s syndrome.
- Frequently wipe down commonly touched surfaces like stairway railings, telephones, and door handles. Other than that, follow your normal housekeeping routine.
- See information on taking care of a sick person in your home from the CDC.
Information on H1N1 Flu Medicines from the FDA:
- Zanamivir (Relenza) Fact Sheet for Patients and Parents (pdf)
- Tamiflu Fact Sheet for Patients and Parents (pdf)
- Informe De Zanamivir (Relenza) Para Pacientes Y Padres (pdf)
- Informe De Tamiflu Para Pacientes Y Padres (pdf)
If, after reading the information available here, you have questions about the 2009 H1N1 vaccine,
please call 1-800-27SHOTS (1-800-277-4687).
