[Press Release] : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - What to Do If you Think You Have the Flu

[Press Releases]

Press Release
September 14, 2009
 
Contact: Geni Alexander, Public Information Officer
573.268.6265 or gaalexan at gocolumbiamo.com ( mailto:grw at gocolumbiamo.com
)
 
What To Do If You Think You Have The Flu


We’re quickly approaching seasonal flu season and Influenza A (H1N1),
also known as the swine flu, is now in our community. The Columbia/Boone
County Department of Public Health and Human Services reminds residents
to take the following steps if you think you have the flu:
·         Stay home from work or school.
·         Get lots of rest, drink plenty of liquids and avoid using
alcohol and tobacco.
·         Take over-the-counter (OTC) medications to relieve the
symptoms of the flu. Never give aspirin to children or teenagers who
have flu-like symptoms, particularly fever.
Serious illness from the flu is more likely in people 65 and older
(seasonal flu), pregnant women, people with certain chronic medical
conditions and young children.
 
Not all patients with the flu need anti-viral medication (Tamiflu or
Relenza). A doctor needs to make that determination. Seek immediate
medical attention if you have any of the following symptoms:
In adults:
·         Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
·         Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
·         Worsening headache, stiff neck or confusion
·         Sudden dizziness
·         Severe or persistent vomiting
In children:
·         Fever in a child under 2 months of age
·         Fever lasting more than 3 days in a child over 2 months old
·         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
·         Stiff neck or severe headache
·         If a baby has a dry diaper (no urine) for 8 hours or more
 
For further information, please visit www.flu.gov ( http://www.flu.gov/
)or www.fightthefluMO.com ( http://www.fighttheflumo.com/ ). 
 
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