INFLUENZA UPDATE
Important H1N1 Update for the Boone County Health Department
Novel H1N1 influenza (swine flu) is present in our community. The Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that 30 to 50 percent of the population may
be affected by the novel H1N1 flu.
What is influenza? What are the symptoms?
Influenza, or the “flu,” is a viral respiratory infection. Symptoms include fever,
cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Everyone who is experiencing
flu-like symptoms should stay at home.
Are there medications available to treat influenza?
There are two anti-viral medications available to treat the H1N1 strain of influenza,
oseltamivir (Tamiflu, taken by mouth) and zanamivir (Relenza, taken by inhalation).
We will not be recommending medication for individuals at low risk for complications
who do not have signs or symptoms of serious illness.
What individuals are at high risk for complications of influenza?
- Pregnant women
- Children less than 5 years of age and adults over age 65.
- Individuals with compromised immunity such as those with HIV, those on chronic steroids
or chemotherapy, or transplant patients.
- Individuals of any age with serious chronic illnesses such as heart problems, respiratory
disease (asthma or COPD), diabetes, kidney or liver disease, blood disease (such
as sickle cell, leukemia)
- Those with dementia, mental retardation or a history of stroke
- Those living in a nursing home or chronic care facility
- Persons under age 19 years on chronic aspirin therapy
Individuals at high risk for complications who developed symptoms of influenza should
contact their healthcare provider. In addition, health care workers who have direct
patient contact who develop influenza symptoms should contact their health care
provider.
What are the signs of serious illness in adults with influenza?
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
Adults who developed any signs of serious illness should contact their healthcare
provider.
What are the signs of serious illness in children with influenza?
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough
- Fever with a rash
Parents of children who developed any signs of serious illness should contact their
child’s healthcare provider.
MU Health Care Alert
MU Health Care infectious disease experts and emergency planners have created a site with the latest news and updates concerning the novel H1N1 (swine flu) virus.
Visit MU Health Care Alert to view up-to-the-minute information about the swine flu virus.