Flu is a serious contagious disease. Each year in the United States,on average, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized and 36,000 people die from seasonal flu complications.

This flu season could be worse because there is a new and very different influenza virus causing illness called 2009 H1N1. CDC expects both 2009 H1N1 flu and seasonal flu to cause illness, hospital stays and deaths this season and is preparing for an early and possibly severe flu season.

What You Should Do If You Get Sick:

The CDC has identified certain groups of people who are at increased risk of becoming more severely ill if they become infected with seasonal influenza.

These groups include:

• Persons aged 65 years or older;
• Women who are pregnant;
• Adults and children who have chronic health conditions including chronic lung problems such as asthma, metabolic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, and certain blood diseases;
• Adults and children who have a lowered immune system from medications or chronic health conditions such as HIV;

• Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities.
• If you become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, and stuffy nose, you should: Stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.

When to call for help:

Contact your clinic or doctor or call 911 if sick person:

• Has difficulty breathing or chest pain (See above).
• Has gray/blue lips or skin.
• Has fever above 104º F (above 101º F for a child) that cannot be reduced.
• Has severe or persistent coughing.
• Has a sign of dehydration (See “Preventing Dehydration” fact sheet).
• Has a seizure.
• Is unable to move an arm or leg.
• Is confused or not waking up.
• Improves and then symptoms return.

Resources for Parents and Caregivers

Taking Care of a Sick Person in Your Home

Advice for Parents on Talking to Children

Feeding your Baby: What Parents Should Know

Interim CDC Guidance on Day and Residential Camps

Seasonal and Novel H1N1 Flu: A Guide for Parents

Action Steps: If School is Dismissed or Children Must Stay Home

Action Steps: Protect Your Child and Family from Flu

Action Steps: For Parents of Children at High Risk for Flu Complications

Key Contacts

Minnesota Department of Health

http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/diseases/flu/index.html

651-201-5414

Toll-free: 1-877-676-5414

8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday

Centers for Disease Control

1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)

TTY: 1-888-232-6348

24 hours/every day