News Release
Influenza A/H1N1: When to call your doctor
May 1, 2009
Swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) is a viral infection. It can cause flu-like symptoms: fever, body aches, coughing, sore throat and tiredness. If you get sick, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advises you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Swine flu is thought to spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing.
When to call the doctor
To avoid spreading infection to others, it is necessary to call your doctor right away if you have flu symptoms (even mild ones) and have been exposed to someone who has A/H1N1 or have traveled to areas where there are documented cases of A/H1N1. Calling your physician is especially important
if you are pregnant or elderly, have a chronic health condition or a weak immune system, or are caring for a baby or child who has flu symptoms.
In adults, these symptoms need emergency medical attention:
- Trouble breathing or fast breathing
- Chest pain or pressure
- Abdominal pain
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
In children, these symptoms need emergency medical attention:
- Inability to drink enough fluids to stay hydrated
- Fever with rash
- Flu symptoms improve, but then come back with a fever and worsening cough
Call 9-1-1 if:
- Your child's skin is turning blue
- You can't wake up your child
- Your child is extremely irritable (can't be comforted)
Before you go
It is critical to contact your doctor or health care provider and report your symptoms before you go to the clinic, hospital or office. That way, the doctor can make preparations to keep you isolated from others at the site of care if needed. Make sure you tell your provider if you have recently traveled to an area where A/H1N1 has been found or if you have come in contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with A/H1N1.
Based on your symptoms and exposure history, your doctor will decide whether you need testing or treatment for A/H1N1 flu. The doctor can also suggest how to help you get better and prevent spreading the virus to others.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Swine influenza and you.
World Health Organization (WHO). Swine influenza.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Key facts about swine influenza
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Contact Gregg Lagan
Mercy Medical Center – Des Moines
515-247-3050
cell 515-490-6636
Help educate your workplace or organization about the importance of handwashing as a method to prevent the spread of infection.
