Thursday, October 29, 2009

H1N1 Flu Virus - Knowledge is your best Defence

Recognizing the Symptoms

Almost Always - Sudden onset of Cough & Fever

Common - Fatigue, Muscle Ache, Sore Throat, Headache, Runny Nose, Decreased Appetite

Sometimes - Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea


Severity Indicators


Shortness of Breath
Chest Pain
Rapid, or difficulty breathing
Bluish/greyish skin colour
Bloody/Coloured mucus/spit
Dizziness & Confusion
Severe/Persistent vomiting
High Fever lasting more than 3 days
Low Blood Pressure


Those with Higher Risks of catching/or having the flu develop into something more serious.

1) Children under the age of 5
2) Women who are Pregnant
3 People with chronic conditions such as :


Heart Disease
Kidney Disease
Diabetes
Asthma/Chronic Lung Disease
Liver Disease
Blood Disorders
Obesity
Immunosuppressed - people taking cancer drugs or those living with HIV/AIDS
Neurological Disorders


Protect Yourself


Wash your hands frequently, with soap under warm water for 20 seconds
Use an alcohol based hand sanitizer
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth
Cough/Sneeze into your arm, NOT YOUR HAND
Keep common surface area clean & disinfected
If you're sick, STAY HOME!


CONTACT YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER RIGHT AWAY if you develop severe symptoms, or if you have flu symptoms and are at risk of complications

Plan Ahead

Speak to your family/friends about how you can help one another during flu season

Stock up on essentials such as pain/fever medication and easy meals(that way you won't have to leave the house)

Have important telephone numbers on hand ex) Doctor, local public health clinics, information lines

No comments:

Post a Comment