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It's a confusing flu season this year, as preparations are being made for two different flu strains; the H1N1 flu and the seasonal flu. While specific questions can be addressed to your primary care provider, Winona Health staff provides general information below to help you better understand how to prepare yourself and your family for this flu season.
To learn more about flu treatments and what to do if you or a loved one is sick, click here.
H1N1 Flu
The H1N1 influenza (more commonly known as swine flu) is a respiratory illness caused by a virus spread via coughing, sneezing and touching contaminated items then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Symptoms include:
• Fever (above 100o F)
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Stuffy nose
• Diarrhea and vomiting in some cases
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) establishs guidelines for those eligible for this vaccine. To learn more about when vaccines will be released and available, click here.
Seasonal Flu
The seasonal flu is also a respiratory illness caused by a virus and spread via coughing, sneezing and touching contaminated items then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Symptoms include:
• Fever (may be high)
• Headache
• Extreme tiredness
• Dry cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle aches
• Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, more common in children
Vaccinations are available for the seasonal flu, but please know that this vaccine will not protect people from the H1N1 flu strain. The CDC recommends the following receive the seasonal flu vaccine:
• Children ages 6 months to 18
• Pregnant women
• People 50 and older
• People with certain chronic medical conditions
• People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care residences
• People who live with or care for those at high risk for flu complications
Flu Prevention
Getting a seasonal flu vaccination is one of the best steps to preventing the seasonal flu. The steps below also will help prevent the spread of both the seasonal and H1N1 flu:
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, throwing the used tissue in a wastebasket.
• If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into a shirt sleeve.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand cleaners.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Whenever possible, avoid contact with sick people.
• Get plenty of sleep and exercise; eat healthy.
Serious Symptoms
Most people recover from the flu within one to two weeks without treatment. However, serious complications can occur. Go to Winona Health's Emergency Department immediately if you note any of the following symptoms:
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Purple or blue discoloration of the lips
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Signs of dehydration (dizziness upon standing; not passing urine; in infants, lack of tears when crying)
• Confusion or less responsiveness than usual
• Seizures or convulsions
• Severe vomiting or unable to keep fluids down
Flu Resources
This fact sheet was developed using materials from the CDC and Minnesota Department of Health. For additional information from these two resources, click on the links below.
• Centers for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov/H1N1FLU www.flu.gov
• Minnesota Department of Health: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/flu/index.html