Seasonal Flu and H1N1 (Swine) Flu

As the weather gets colder into the fall, flu season really picks up steam. The cooler temperatures put more strain on your body, making you more likely to get sick.

You'll be less likely to get sick this flu season if you:

• Dress appropriately for the weather
• Get plenty of rest
• Eat a balanced diet
• Relieve stress in a positive way, such as through exercise
• Drink lots of water
• Get your flu shot

Other steps that you can take to avoid getting sick include:

• Covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze
  
  
• Washing your hands often with soap and water
  
  
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth; germs spread this way
  
  
• Trying to avoid close contact with sick people
  
  
• Staying home if you feel sick with flu-like symptoms, such as:
  • Aches and pains
  • Chest Discomfort
  • Chills
  • Cough
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Sneezing
  • Sore throat
  • Stuffy nose

H1N1 (Swine) Flu

This flu season could be worse than usual because we're seeing the return of a very different flu strain, called H1N1.

Unlike the regular seasonal flu, the H1N1 strain of the flu is more likely to affect children, the elderly, and those with already weakened immune systems. There is a special vaccine just for H1N1 this year, and if you're at higher risk, ask your doctor if you should get the H1N1 flu shot.

Following the general steps listed above will help protect you against H1N1 flu too!

Current Testing/Treatment Guidelines for H1N1

The current recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) for H1N1 flu state that generally healthy people with flu symptoms should NOT be tested or treated with drugs, such as Tamiflu, in the Emergency Departments.

In addition, individuals exposed to H1N1 who do not have symptoms will NOT be tested in the Emergency Department or Immediate Care facilities. Children ages two or younger who have a fever and upper respiratory symptoms should be seen by their family doctor or, if unavailable, in the Emergency Department and the Immediate Care facilities.

Individuals with flu symptoms can visit a Resurrection Immediate Care Center to determine the best course of treatment. If you have questions about your symptoms, you may also call Nurse Advice at RES-INFO at 877-RES-INFO (877-737-4636).

Get a FREE H1N1 Vaccination

It is not too late! Tell your friends, family and neighbors that you can still get vaccinated at Resurrection Medical Center!

• Thursday, Jan. 21st 10 am - 12 pm
• Friday, Jan. 29th 8 am - 10 am
• Monday, Feb. 8th 9 am - 4 pm
• Friday, Feb 26th 7:30am - 10 am

To register, please call RES-INFO (877) 737-4636.

For More Information

Use the following resources to find out more information about seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu strain:

• Seasonal Flu (Centers for Disease Control)
• 2009 H1N1 Flu Strain (Centers for Disease Control)
• H1N1 Questions and Answers (Illinois Dept. of Public Health)