About Us Our History Our Clinicians Referrals and Enrollments Health Information Helpful Resources Publications Careers Contact Us Commonwealth Care Alliance Clinical Group En Español Home

Health Information

Important information to know and share about the flu…

What are the symptoms?

What to do if you get sick?

What are the recommendations about vaccination?

How to prevent spreading it to others?

What is Influenza (also called the Flu)?

The flu is a serious contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness. Every year in the United States, on average, 36,000 people die from seasonal flu complications. This year a new and very different flu virus is spreading worldwide called H1N1 or the Swine Flu. The H1N1 or Swine Flu virus has made children and young adults sick at a much higher rate than older adults so far. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year.

What are the symptoms of the flu?

Fever
Cough
Sore Throat
Extreme Tiredness
Runny, stuffy nose
Body aches and chills
Headache
Diarrhea and vomiting are seen in some H1N1 flu patients

How do I Prevent the Flu?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends a yearly seasonal flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against seasonal flu. This vaccine protects against the three seasonal viruses that research suggests will be most common this season. It is recommended for all, but especially for people with chronic health conditions, those over 65 years of age, young children, pregnant women and health care workers. The seasonal flu vaccine will not protect you against H1N1.
A new vaccine to protect against H1N1 is being developed and is expected to be available mid to late October. Two doses will likely be needed (in addition to the seasonal flu vaccine). Current recommendations (Sept 09) are to administer this new vaccine for H1N1 to pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, healthcare workers, persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old, and people between 25 and 64 years of age who are at higher risk because of chronic health conditions or a compromised immune system. These recommendations may change as the vaccine becomes more available.

What can be done to prevent the spread of the flu?

Wash your hands with warm water and soap and/or use an alcohol-based gel to help prevent the spread of flu germs.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after use. If you cannot do this, cough or sneeze into the crook of your arm.
If you are otherwise healthy with no chronic medical problems, stay home if you are sick. Do not return to work or school until your fever has subsided for 24 hours without the aid of fever reducing medications.
If you are severely ill or have chronic medical problems, contact your health care provider as soon as possible. Antiviral drugs may be prescribed if appropriate for you. These medications can shorten the course and severity of illness. Avoid contact with others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.

Special Considerations

Develop an emergency plan for care should your primary caretakers, PCA’s or family members become ill. Have a back up list of PCA’s available so that people who are sick can stay home. Isolating those who become sick is essential to avoid the spread of illness. Plan Ahead.