If you experience any of the following symptoms, stay home, avoid contact with others, and drink plenty of fluids. These are typical symptoms of both the seasonal flu and 2009 novel H1N1 influenza.

•  Fever
•  Headache
•  Extreme tiredness
•  Dry cough
•  Sore throat
•  Runny or stuffy nose
•  Muscle aches
•  Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (more common in children than adults)

If any of these symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop, or your fever goes away and then returns, contact your personal physician right away.

The following high-risk persons should seek medical attention or guidance from their personal physician as soon as they develop any of the above symptoms:

•  Pregnant women
•  Children younger than 5 years of age
•  Persons of any age with certain chronic medical conditions or compromised immune systems
•  Persons 65 years and older (this population is thought to have less susceptibility to H1N1, but is known to be at high risk for seasonal flu)

If you do come to the Emergency Department or Outpatient Clinic areas to be seen as a patient and you are experiencing these symptoms, please make sure you identify yourself as being ill with influenza-like illness. You will be asked to wear a mask (unless you cannot tolerate it because of your symptoms) in order to reduce the spread of infection and further protect you from contracting any other infection.

If you do have flu-like symptoms, talk to your doctor about possible treatment with antivirals. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid, or an inhaler) that can be used for treatment or, in certain circumstances, prevention of flu viruses. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. Antivirals can also reduce the chances of spreading the virus to others. Two types of antivirals, Oseltamivir (TAMIFLU®) and Zanamivir (RELENZA®) are currently effective against the 2009 H1N1 flu.