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A person is considered infectious 1 day prior to the beginning of symptoms to 7 days after the onset of symptoms

SWINE FLU SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Symptoms are very similar to those seen with the seasonal flu present in Maine during the winter months. They include:

TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF SWINE FLU:

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub.
Stay home for 7 days after the onset of fever and cough, or 10 days for children
- Do NOT go to work or school while ill.
If persons with the flu must leave the home, they should cover their nose and mouth with a surgical mask.
Infected people should avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth.
Keep the sick person away from other people as much as possible, including friends or family.
- Prevent visitors
Remind the sick person to cover their nose or mouths with the crease of their arm when coughing or sneezing
If a person is at work or at school and has a fever and cough, they should be sent home immediately.

MEDICATIONS AND TREATMENTS TO HELP LESSEN THE SYMPTOMS OF SWINE FLU

Drink PLENTY of clear fluids
Get plenty of rest
If medication is needed to treat fever, muscle aches, or fatigue; acetaminophen (Tylenol®), Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, or Nuprin®), or Naproxen (Aleve) should be used.
- Please follow the instructions on the medication label
Antiviral medications such as Tamiflu and Relenza can sometimes lessen the symptoms of swine flu. Please call your healthcare provider to see if antiviral medication is appropriate.

Do not give aspirin or aspirin-containing products such as Pepto Bismol to children or teenagers who have the flu (this can cause Reye’s syndrome.

HOUSEHOLD CLEANING, LAUNDRY, AND WASTE

DISPOSAL

Throw away tissues and other items used by the sick person in the trash.
Wash your hands after touching used tissues or other infected waste.
Keep surfaces clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant.
Linens, cleaning utensils, and dishes that have been used by the sick person do not need to be cleaned separately, but should not be shared until thoroughly cleaned first.
Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water ands soap.
You can wash contaminated clothes with traditional laundry soap and tumble dry on a hot setting.
- Wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub after handling dirty laundry.

WHEN TO SEEK EMERGENCY CARE

If a sick person at home:

· Has difficulty breathing or chest pain

· Has purple or blue discoloration of the lips

· Is vomiting and unable to keep liquids down

· Has signs of dehydration such as dizziness when standing, little or no urine, or lack of tears when they cry

· Uncontrolled convulsions (seizures)

· Is less responsive than normal or becomes confused

HIGH-RISK INDIVIDUALS FOR SWINE FLU

Children under the age of 12 years
People over the age of 65 years
Pregnant women
People on long-term aspirin therapy
People with chronic diseases of the lung, heart, liver, kidneys, or blood.
Patients who are immunosuppressed such as those patients receiving chemotherapy or who are HIV positive.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call your primary care provider.