From the Desk of Marian Swinker, MD, MPH, FACOEM
Every year in the United States, hundreds of thousands of people get influenza, or the flu, with many hospitalized and some even dying from causes related to the flu. This year is more unpredictable than ever before because of the growing concern over the H1N1 flu virus, formerly known as “swine flu/pandemic flu."
The symptoms of seasonal flu are as follows:
Fever of 38 C degrees or higher---that is 100.4 F
Cough
Sore throat
Body aches
Chills
Fatigue
Runny or stuffy nose
Headache
The symptoms of H1N1 are very similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu but could also include vomiting and diarrhea. You should seek medical care if any of the previously listed symptoms are accompanied by the following for seasonal flu or H1N1:
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting
Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough
In babies, bluish or gray skin color, lack or responsiveness, or extreme irritation
The best way to prevent the flu is to get the flu vaccine every year.
Marian Swinker
