Families

ERMC H1N1 Update 3: What to do if you get sick

HEIDELBERG, Germany – ERMC H1N1 Update 3 addresses the question, "What do I do if I get sick?

What is 2009 H1N1 influenza?

2009 H1N1 (sometimes called “swine flu”) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people.  This new virus was first detected in people in Mexico and the United States in April 2009.  The virus is now spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.  On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a pandemic of 2009 H1N1 flu was underway.

How do I know if I have the flu?

You may have the flu if you have some or all of these symptoms:

*It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.

What should I do if I get sick?

If you get sick with flu-like symptoms this flu season, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people except to get medical care.  Most people with 2009 H1N1 influenza have had mild illness and have not needed medical care or antiviral drugs and the same is true of seasonal flu.  However, some people are more likely to get flu complications and they should talk to a health care provider about whether they need to be examined if they get flu symptoms this season.

The following individuals are at higher risk for severe illness or complications from flu:

· Children younger than 2 years of age

· People 65 years of age and older

· Pregnant women and women up to 2 weeks postpartum

· People who have:

· Cancer

· Blood disorders (including sickle cell disease)

· Chronic lung disease [including asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)]

· Diabetes, Heart disease (except isolated hypertension), Kidney disorders, Liver disorders

· Neurological disorders (including nervous system, brain or spinal cord)

· Neuromuscular disorders (including muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis)

· Weakened immune systems (including people with AIDS)

Do I need to go the emergency room if I am only a little sick?

No, the emergency room (ER) should be used for people who are very sick.  You should not go to the ER if you are only mildly ill.  If you have the emergency warning signs of flu sickness, you should go to the ER or hospital.  If you get sick with flu symptoms and are at high risk of flu complications or you are concerned about your illness, call your health care provider for advice.  If you go to the ER and you are not sick with the flu, you could catch it from people who do have it.

What are the emergency warning signs?

Are there medicines to treat 2009 H1N1?

Yes.  There are drugs your doctor may prescribe for treating both seasonal and 2009 H1N1 called “antiviral drugs.”  These drugs can make you better faster and may also prevent serious complications. This flu season, antiviral drugs are being used mainly to treat people who are very sick, such as people who need to be hospitalized, and to treat sick people who are more likely to get serious complications from the flu. Your health care provider will decide whether antiviral drugs are needed to treat your illness.  Remember, most people with 2009 H1N1 have had mild illness and have not needed medical care or antiviral drugs and the same is true of seasonal flu. Over-the-counter cold and flu medications can lessen symptoms such as fever, cough and congestion.

How long should I stay home if I’m sick?

Stay home or in your barracks for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone (temperature is below 100°F or 37.8°C) except to get medical care or other necessities that no one else can do for you.  Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, Nuprin®).  This home isolation is recommended regardless of antiviral treatment. You should stay home from work, school, travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings. Stay away from others as much as possible to keep from making them sick.  If you must leave home, for example to get medical care, wear a facemask if you have one, or cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue.  Wash your hands often to keep from spreading the flu.  Healthcare workers who become ill should not take care of immune-compromised patients for at least 7 days from symptom onset and 24 hours fever free, whichever is longer.

Should I go to the health clinic or call a medical provider? 

Individuals who are at higher risk for serious illness or flu complications should contact their health care provider or seek care early if they develop symptoms of influenza.  Clinical evaluation may be indicated for these patients as well as persons who report severe illness.  Notify your medical provider if you have high risk family members at home.  Patients are no longer automatically tested for H1N1 influenza.  Your healthcare provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed.  Other persons who have mild illness usually do well with self-care at home and do not need to see a provider.  Beneficiaries can call the Nurse Advice Line (00800-4759-2330 from most countries in Europe) 24 hours a day for advice about seasonal or H1N1 influenza.  Other Nurse Advice Line numbers are: Belgium: 0800-17920; Italy: 800-877660; Greece: 008-001-1815-3044; and Turkey: 00-800-13815-9042.

For more information about seasonal and H1N1 influenza visit the following websites:

Europe Regional Medical Command at http://ermc.amedd.army.mil/
USACHPPM-Europe at http://www.chppmeur.healthcare.hqusareur.army.mil/
European Command at http://www.eucom.mil
DoD Pandemic Influenza Watchboard at http://fhp.osd.mil/aiWatchboard/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
World Health Organization: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html