Anyone infected with the H1N1 flu show a wide range of symptoms that range from minimal to serious.
The majority of people will recover without needing a visit to a doctor, in less than 1 week, although the fatigue and cough may last longer.
Typical Symptoms
- Fever
- Muscle and joint aches
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Cough and/or sore throat
- Vomiting and diarrhea
What to do if your child gets sick:
- Stay home – for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone or until regular activity can resume.
- Return to school if only the cough is left as it can take days or weeks for it to go away.
- Rest…lots of it.
- Drink clear liquids to avoid dehydration.
- Take a pain reliever for fever and aches, if required (not aspirin).
When do you need a doctor
- Child is under 5.
- Child is 5 years and older with a chronic mecical problem such as asthma or heart disease.
A doctor will be able to tell you what you will need or possible treatments.
Self -screening and Assessment Tools
These are available at www.halton.ca. They will assist you in determining whether you need to see a doctor.
Medical Care Needed Immediately
You will need medical care immediately if you have these symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath when doing very little or resting.
- Purple or blue lips.
- Continous vomiting or severe diarrhea, especially with signs of dehydration such as dizziness when standing, absence of urination, or in infants, a lack of tears when they cry.
- Confusion or disorientation
- Stiff neck
- Seizures
Keep Yourself Safe When Caring for Children
- Only one family membe should care for a sick person (if possible). Pregnant women should avoid providing care.
- Avoid close face-to-face contact with the ill person. Stay at least 2 metres away if possible.
- When holding a sick child, place his or her chin on your shoulder so that he/she does not cough in your face.
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use 60-90% alcohol-based hand rub.
- Wash your hands every time you have contact with sick person.
- Clean more frequently by wiping areas with disinfectant.
