Flu Focus: Stay home if you are sick & when to seek treatment
By Denise O’Farrell
Public health has received its share of good news about the H1N1 vaccine in the last week. The Department of Health and Human Services announced that only one H1N1 vaccination may be needed to provide immunity and small vaccine shipments will be distributed earlier in October than expected. Good news, yes; but visits to doctors for influenza-like illness are increasing nationally and some areas in the nation are reporting widespread activity.
The messages being promoted by public health and healthcare officials are to wash your hands frequently, cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your sleeve, get plenty of rest, and if you get sick, stay at home. It bears repeating, please stay home if you are sick. This message is even more important in light of new reports that people with H1N1 may be contagious for up to one week.
Caring For Someone with Influenza
People with influenza who are cared for at home should:
• Check with their healthcare provider about any special care they might need if they are pregnant or have a health condition such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, or emphysema
• Check with their healthcare provider about whether they should take antiviral medications
• Keep away from others as much as possible
• Stay home for at least 24 hours after fever is gone, except to seek medical care or for other necessities (Fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medication.)
• Get plenty of rest
• Drink clear fluids (such as water, broth, sports drinks, electrolyte beverages for infants)
• Wear a facemask – if available and tolerable – when sharing common spaces with other household members to help prevent spreading the virus to others
When to Seek Emergency Medical Care
If you have questions or concerns regarding signs and symptoms related to influenza, contact your primary healthcare provider. Get medical care right away if the person sick at home:
• Has difficulty breathing or chest pain
• Has purple or blue discolorations of the lips
• Is vomiting and unable to keep liquids down
• Has signs of dehydration such as dizziness when standing, absence of urination, or in infants, a lack of tears when they cry
• Has seizures (for example, uncontrolled convulsions)
• Is less response than normal or becomes confused
The message about emergency medical care is one that hospitals have expressed concerns about. By all means, if you or someone you know is exhibiting these symptoms, seek medical care immediately. However, if there is an increased burden of illness on hospitals, it is possible they will become overwhelmed.
Hospitals have been planning on this type of scenario for a number of years, but it is still possible that personnel shortages and scarce resources could increase wait times and limit patient care options. For more information on how to care for yourself or your loved ones at home, go to www.sdhdidaho.rog for a booklet called Your Health is In Your Hands.
Denise O’Farrell is the MRC Chairman and the Emergency Preparedness Healthcare Liaison for the Southeastern District Health Department’s Public Health Preparedness Program