Health and Wellness

Swine Flu and the Emergency Department

The autumn season is not the typical time for seasonal flu. Therefore, many people who are suffering from flu-like symptoms may have the swine flu (H1N1 virus).

At Banner Health, we want to make sure you receive the right level of care for the swine flu -- whether it be in your physician's office, urgent care or emergency department.

For the average person who is relatively healthy, swine flu will run its course. Stay home, rest, hydrate and try not to spread the virus.

Swine flu symptoms mirror those of seasonal flu:

fever

coughing

lethargy

vomiting

diarrhea
runny nose
sore throat
lack of appetite.

People with existing health problems or chronic conditions such as a compromised immune system and women who are pregnant should pay close attention to their symptoms. Call your primary care physician or obstetrician to discuss your symptoms.

The following symptoms require an immediate visit to the emergency department:

Difficulty breathing
Pain or pressure in chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness

Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough.

In young children, watch for:

Fast breathing or trouble breathing
Bluish or gray skin color
Not drinking enough fluids
Severe or persistent vomiting

Not waking up or interacting
Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
Flu-like symptoms that improve, but return with fever and worse cough

Treatments: H1N1 flu is treated in a similar manner to seasonal flu:

Treat any fever right away with acetaminophen or another fever reducer.
Drink plenty of fluids to replace those you lose when you are sick.
Don't give aspirin or products that contain aspirin such as Pepto Bismol to children under age 18 because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome.