Parents

H1N1/Influenza-like Illness (ILI) Update

ILI SYMPTOMS INCLUDE

· fever (not everyone with flu will have a fever)cough

· sore throat

· runny or stuffy nose

· body aches

· headache

· chills

· fatigue

· sometimes diarrhea and vomiting

· they are fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine

· they are feeling well, able to tolerate activity, and will be able to participate in the school day

· have them stay home for at least 24 hours after fever is gone (without use of fever-reducing medicine)

· contact their health care provider if they are getting better and then worsen

· watch for warning signs that might indicate you need to seek urgent medical attention (difficulty breathing or chest pain; purple or blue discoloration of the lips; vomiting and unable to keep liquids down; signs of dehydration such as dizziness or lack of urination; less responsive than normal or becomes confused; has seizures)

When providing care to a household member who is sick with influenza, here are the most important ways to protect yourself and others who are not sick.

· keep the sick person home and away from other people as much as possible, especially others who are at high risk for complications from influenza

· ask your health care provider if household contacts of the sick person should take antiviral medications

· if you are in a high risk group for complications from influenza, you should attempt to avoid close contact (within 6 feet) with household members who are sick with influenza. Infants should not be cared for by sick family members.

· keep the sick person in a room separate from the common areas of the house. (For example, a spare bedroom with its own bathroom.) Keep the sickroom door closed.

· if possible, sick persons should use a separate bathroom which should be cleaned daily with household disinfectant (see below)

· when holding small children who are sick, place their chin on your shoulder so that they will not cough in your face

· clean your hands with soap and water after you touch the sick person or handle used tissues or laundry. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

· talk to your health care provider about taking antiviral medication to prevent the caregiver from getting the flu

· if you are at high risk of influenza-associated complications, you should not be the designated caretaker, if possible

· if you are in a high risk group for complications from influenza, you should attempt to avoid close contact (within 6 feet) with household members who are sick with influenza. If possible, designate a person who is not at high risk of flu-associated complications as the primary caretaker of household members who are sick with influenza.

· monitor yourself and household members for flu symptoms and contact your health care provider if symptoms occur

· throw away tissues and other disposable items used by the sick person in the trash. Wash your hands with soap and water after touching used tissues and similar waste

· keep surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, and toys) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label

· linens, eating utensils, and dishes used by those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but these items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first

· wash linens (bed sheets, towels) by using household laundry soap and tumble dry on a hot setting. Avoid “hugging” laundry prior to washing it to prevent contaminating yourself. Clean your hands with soap and water right after handling dirty laundry.