SYMPTOMS AND PREVENTION:
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of seasonal flu:
- fever of greater than 100 degrees
- sore throat
- cough
- stuffy nose
- chills
- headache and body aches
- fatigue
Some people with swine flu also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.
As with seasonal flu, anyone with underlying chronic medical conditions may be more seriously impacted by swine flu.
PREVENTION
To help protect yourself against any flu:
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough; cough or sneeze into a tissue and dispose of used tissues. Wash your hands after sneezing or coughing.
- Try to stay in good general health and get plenty of sleep.
- Be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
- Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus.
- Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
If you are ill:
- Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough; cough or sneeze into a tissue and dispose of used tissues. Wash your hands after sneezing or coughing.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Avoid others with respiratory illnesses.
- Practice other good health habits; eat nutritious foods, get plenty of rest, exercise, manage your stress and drink plenty of fluids.
- Stay home to avoid spreading illness to others.
- Visit a doctor if you exhibit flu-like symptoms.
More information: Centers for Disease Control http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/