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Bastyr Center advises those experiencing symptoms of H1N1 Flu to stay home, contact health care provider regarding complications King County Public Health estimates that as many as 20 to 40 percent of the population could become infected with H1N1 Influenza this flu season. Under advisement of the Department of Public Health, Bastyr Center for Natural Health is encouraging patients who are ill with flu symptoms to stay at home for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius or greater). If you need medical care, please discuss your health care provider’s flu treatment protocol when calling to schedule an appointment. Depending on your symptoms, you may be advised to stay at home or go to the emergency room at a local hospital where facilities and services may better serve your healthcare needs. Below are a few tips to help you stay healthy, as well as links to credible information and up-to-date news on H1N1 influenza: Information on the H1N1 Influenza Virus: A few tips to help you stay healthy: - Practice good hygiene. Thoroughly wash your hands throughout the day, especially before touching your face or eyes.
- Practice respiratory etiquette. Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Know the signs and symptoms of the flu. Fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue are all signs of the flu. A number of people who have been infected with the H1N1 flu virus have also reported diarrhea and vomiting.
- Stay home if you have flu or flu-like illness for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius or greater) or signs of a fever (chills, feel warm to the touch, flushed appearance or sweating) without taking a fever-reducing medication.
- Boost your immune system. Get plenty of sleep, eat healthy meals and exercise.
- Talk with your healthcare provider. If you have a compromised immune system, stay out of highly populated areas and have a conversation with your healthcare provider about whether or not you should receive the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available.
What should I do if I get sick? If you have been in contact with people who have H1N1 and become ill with flu-like symptoms - including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea - you should do the following: - If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.
- If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical care at your local emergency department.
In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include: - Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Not waking up or 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
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include: - Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
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