Symptoms of severe disease may include:

Ø   Apnea

Ø   Tachypnea

Ø   Dyspnea

Ø   Cyanosis

Ø   Dehydration

Ø   Altered mental status

Ø   Extreme irritability

How Flu Spreads

Ø   The main way that influenza viruses are thought to spread is from person to person in respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes.

Ø   It may also be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets on another person or an object and then touches their own mouth or nose (or someone else’s mouth or nose) before washing their hands.

at home you should:

Ø   check with their health care provider about any special care they might need if they are pregnant or have a health condition such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, or emphysema

Ø   check with their health care provider about whether they should take antiviral medications

Ø   stay home for 7 days after the start of illness and fever is gone

Ø   get plenty of rest

Ø   drink clear fluids (such as water, broth, sports drinks, electrolyte beverages for infants) to keep from being dehydrated

Ø   cover coughs and sneezes. Clean hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub often and especially after using tissues and after coughing or sneezing into hands.

Ø   avoid close contact with others – do not go to work or school while ill

Ø   be watchful for emergency warning signs that might indicate you need to seek medical attention

When to Seek Emergency Medical Care

Get medical care right away if the sick person at home:

Ø   has difficulty breathing or chest pain

Ø   has purple or blue discoloration of the lips

Ø   is vomiting and unable to keep liquids down

Ø   has signs of dehydration such as dizziness when standing, absence of urination, or in infants, a lack of tears when they cry

Ø   has seizures (for example, uncontrolled convulsions)

Ø   is less responsive than normal or becomes confused