The flu is an infection that can cause fever, cough, body aches, and other symptoms. There are different forms of the flu, including the “seasonal” flu, the 2009-2010 pandemic H1N1 flu (also called the “swine” flu), and the bird flu. All forms of the flu are caused by viruses. The medical term for the flu is “influenza.”
To avoid exposure you can:
●Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use alcohol hand rubs
●Stay away from people you know are sick
●Get the flu vaccine every year
Most people with the flu get better on their own within 1 to 2 weeks. But you should call your doctor or nurse if you:
●Have trouble breathing or are short of breath
●Feel pain or pressure in your chest or belly
●Get suddenly dizzy
●Feel confused
●Have severe vomiting
Take your child to the doctor if he or she:
●Starts breathing fast or has trouble breathing
●Starts to turn blue or purple
●Is not drinking enough fluids
●Will not wake up or will not interact with you
●Is so unhappy that he or she does not want to be held
●Gets better from the flu but then gets sick again with a fever or cough
●Has a fever with a rash
If you decide to go to a walk-in clinic or a hospital because of the flu, tell someone right away why you are there. The staff might ask you to wear a mask or to wait someplace where you are less likely to spread your infection.
END YOUR ILLNESS 