H1N1 Trifold

What is Influenza?
It is a virus that occurs every year in
the winter. It is also commonly
known as “the flu.” There are many
types of influenza virus. “H1N1” is a
new type of influenza virus. The
symptoms of H1N1 are the same as
the seasonal influenza. Treatment,
prevention and reasons to be seen for
H1N1 are also the same.
How is influenza spread:
Influenza is spread from person to
person. People with influenza can
spread the virus by coughing or
sneezing. You can also get infected
by touching something with the flu
virus on it and then touching your
mouth or nose.
Symptoms of Influenza:
The most common symptoms of influenza
include fever, cough, sore
throat, runny or stuffy nose, body
aches, headache, chills, and fatigue.
Diarrhea and vomiting can also
occur.
Resources to help you stay
healthy:
- www.elmendorf.af.mil
- www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu
- www.asdk12.org/EPREP/flu.asp
- www.pandemicflu.alaska.gov
- Nurse Advice Line: (907) 212-6177
1-888-805-3377
- Central Appointments: 907-580-2778
Other Services
Public Health: 551-4000
Hours of Operation: 0730-1630
Pharmacy: (580-1175)
Hours of Operation: M-F 0800—1730
Immunizations: (580-5812)
Hours of Operation: M-F 0800—1630
Women’s Health: (580-1305)
Hours of Operation: M-F 0800-1600
ACTIVE DUTY
members:
If you think you have influenza,
call Flight Medicine to make an
appointment at 551-4006. If you
are active duty you must be
seen by your provider in order
to obtain quarters.
“H1N1”
What you
need to
know...
3rd Medical Group
Elmendorf AFB

How to avoid getting
influenza:
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue
when you cough or sneeze. Throw
the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and
water or alcohol based hand sanitizer ,
especially after you cough or sneeze.
- Avoid touching your eyes or mouth.
- Use “sneeze bags” when visiting the
hospital.
- Get your flu vaccinations.
What to do if you think you
have influenza:
If you are active duty you must be seen
by your provider in order to obtain
quarters. If you are not active duty and
have influenza or think you do, stay at
home until your fever has been gone for
24 hours without a fever reducing
medication. If you have exposure to
pregnant women, children, or other
members of the high risk groups stay at
home for 7 days or until fever is gone
for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This
prevents spreading influenza to other
people.
When to be seen:
If you think you have influenza, it can
probably be managed at home. However, if
you have fever for more than 3 days, contact
your PCM team. Also, if you experience difficulty
breathing, show signs of dehydration,
or have symptoms that last beyond 7 days,
see your provider. Seek medical advice anytime
you have concerns for worsening symptoms.
If you fall into one of these categories,
contact your provider for further
evaluation:
- If you are greater than 13 weeks pregnant,
contact Women's Health Clinic for guidance.
If you are less than 13 weeks pregnant, contact
your provider.
-Children younger than 5 years of age not
responding to home treatment.
- Diabetic
- Asthmatic
- Heart and Lung Disease
- Immunocompromised
Current home treatment for
mild influenza:
0-3 months:
- For fever >100.4, see your provider
- Use nasal saline with bulb suctioning as
needed for congestion
- Smaller, more frequent feedings
3 months - 1 year:
- Use nasal saline with bulb suctioning as
needed for congestion
- Tylenol as needed for fever or pain
(Motrin can be used after 6 months age)
- Smaller, more frequent feedings
1-5 years:
- Nasal saline with bulb suctioning as
needed for congestion
- No over the counter cough or cold medication
- Tylenol or Motrin as needed for fever or
pain
- Rest and plenty of fluids
6-18 years:
- Over the counter medication to treat
symptoms.
--Ensure over the counter products do not
have Tylenol/acetaminophen to avoid a
Tylenol overdose.
- Tylenol or Motrin as needed for fever
- Rest and plenty of fluids
18-65 years:
- Over the counter medication to treat
symptoms
- Tylenol or Motrin as needed for fever
-- Ensure over the counter products do not
have Tylenol/acetaminophen to avoid a
Tylenol overdose.
- Rest and plenty of fluids
65+ years:
- Contact your primary care provider for
further guidance due to possible medication
interactions.