There has been a great deal of media attention recently regarding the swine flu, also known as influenza H1N1. The following guidelines are from the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene:
The Citizen's Common Sense H1N1 (Swine) Flu Checklist
If you have a Flu-Like Illness Including:
Fever > 100ºF (37.8ºC) AND Cough, Sore Throat, or Runny Nose or Stuffiness Then Stay Home and call your Doctor
If you are mildly sick with flu-like symptoms, STAY HOME and recover unless you have the following warning signs.
Warning Signs (should seek urgent medical attention):
Fast breathing, trouble breathing, or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Bluish skin color (for fair tones) and grayish skin color (for darker tones), then call 911
Not drinking enough fluids or urinating at least 3 times a day
Not waking up or not interacting
Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Fever with a rash
Sudden dizziness or confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting
If you have any questions, please call the Maryland Influenza hotline at 877.MDFLU4U or go to the CDC H1N1 website
