Parent Information Regarding H1N1 Flu and Helpful Health Tips for Flu Care

There are 11 (eleven) confirmed cases of new flu A H1N1 in the Los Angeles area (six in Los Angeles, five in Long Beach); six probable cases are pending confirmation. We are receiving reports

of overall increases in influenza-like illness. Public Health continues to investigate possible cases, illness clusters, and monitor for severe cases by tracking patient visits and hospitalizations. To date in

the U.S., illness from this new flu has been mostly mild to moderate—similar to seasonal flu. Most new flu illnesses have resolved without complications and without the need to see a doctor or receive

treatment.

 

Some people can become seriously ill if they get the flu, this includes: pregnant women, infants, the elderly, people with HIV or cancer who may have weakened immune systems, and those with heart or

lung disease. It is very important that these people take extra care to avoid close contact with other people who are sick, and contact their healthcare provider immediately if the do become sick.

 

The symptoms of this flu are the same as those for regular flu: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, chills, headache, fatigue. Some cases also have had vomiting and diarrhea.

 

(eyes, nose and mouth)

 

I

ncorrect and overuse of antivirals is dangerous and

can lead to antiviral resistance. Remember:

resolved without complications and without

the need to take tamiflu® (oseltamivir).

and are not effectively treated with antivirals.

Prevention recommendations are the same as seasonal flu: wash your hands often, avoid close contact with people who are sick, avoid touching your face (eyes, nose, and mouth).

 

No. There is no reason to avoid public gatherings or events. But as always, stay home if you are sick; and practice healthy habits like washing your hands.

No. But children that are sick should stay at home until better—not just now, but always.

Anyone that is sick (fever, cough sore throat) should stay home—not just now, but always! If you are sick, do not return to work or school until 1 or 2 days after symptoms end.

The same as always: provide water or other fluids, and watch to

see if symptoms get worse or do not resolve. Many basic over the-counter medications can reduce fever and make people feel better.

Precautions to limit the spread of flu-like illness when caring for

someone are the same as what you should do for regular colds and flu:

 

Antiviral medications should be taken only under the guidance of a medical doctor since medicines can have side effects, especially if they are not taken correctly. It is important to remember that most

flu-like illness resolves without the need to see a doctor or to take medication (besides basic over-thecounter medicines to reduce fever and make you feel better). It is also important to remember that

many other illnesses cause flu-like symptoms—and if your illness is not caused by the flu, flu antivirals will not make you better. Incorrect and overuse of antivirals is not only dangerous, but can also lead to

further viral resistance.

 

Germs can spread when a person touches something that’s contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Cleaning common surfaces can help kill germs and reduce

infections, but it’s not practical or possible to clean surfaces continuously—it is impossible to clean everything as well as have it stay clean all the time. The best way to avoid getting the flu does not

include special cleaning procedures beyond normal. But it is especially important to wash your hands and avoid touching your face (eyes, nose, and mouth).

hospitals for treatment.

need to see a doctor or take special medicines.

Keep emergency lines open.

according to package instructions may help

lessen symptoms but will not lessen how

infectious a person is. These medicines might

make feel better, but you can still spread germs.

(acetylsalicylic acid) because it can cause a

rare but serious illness called Reye’s syndrome.

over-the-counter cold medications without first

speaking with a doctor. Safest care includes

using a cool-mist humidifier and a suction bulb

to help clear away mucus.

While to date most new flu cases in the U.S. have been mild to moderate, and in general people with

flu-like illness will get better without complications, seek medical care if you experience any of these

more severe symptoms:

a few days or become worse

fluids

being disoriented

 

LACDPH does not recommend restricting people from any public events or interaction simply due to recent travel to affected areas,

even Mexico. Thousands of people travel to and from Mexico daily, and quarantine recommendations for these people have not been enacted by local, state or federal agencies. As mentioned during our

press conference (it's on YouTube), we are beyond containment and now focusing on limiting the number of cases. Instead, ALL people should monitor their health. Everyone should avoid all public

activities if they are sick; and not just now, but always.

Instead of singling out people who have traveled to Mexico, focus should be on identifying those with flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, fatigue, etc.). This is a great opportunity for schools and businesses

to stress the importance of staying home when sick, and basic respiratory hygiene practices (wash your hands, cover your cough, etc.).

For more information about this illness call: California

Department of Public Health hotline: 888-865-0564

 

Or visit these websites:

 

If you need help finding medical care, please call the Los Angeles County Infoline: 2-1-1.