Small Town News

Getting Acquainted with H1N1

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With recent coverage of H1N1 (formerly known as the "Swine Flu") having cases in surrounding areas such as Tyler and Dallas and now in Grand Saline and Edgewood, we thought it was about that time to discuss the symptoms so you can be prepared. We've all heard of pandemic hitting a lot of college campuses already this year, like Lon Morris, but if it hits closer to home, we need to know what we're dealing with.

Most of the regular flu symptoms still apply: sore throat, cough, fever, runny nose, headaches, chill, and fatigue. Usually a higher fever seems more prominent in the H1N1 strain, but it really is almost impossible to know which illness you have contracted. Though the regular strain of the flu is most common within young children and elders, H1N1 has really struck people within the ages of 10-40.

The best thing one can do is that if you feel like you are catching the flu, see the doctor immediately. There, they can run tests and though it may take a while, you will be able to find out which flu you have.

There are a few irregulariti es, though, that are uncommon but still affiliated with the H1N1 strain:

In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

Fast breathing or trouble breathing

Bluish or gray skin color

Not drinking enough fluids

Severe or persistent vomiting

Not waking up or not interacting

Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held

Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

Sudden dizziness

Confusion

Severe or persistent vomiting

Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

If you experience any of these conditions, please visit your local doctor as soon as possible. And like with any contagious illness, wash your hands regularly and try to cover your mouth or nose when you cough or sneeze.

For more information visit the CDC online at www.cdc.gov.



Copyright 2009 Grand Saline Sun, Grand Saline, Texas. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2009 Grand Saline Sun Grand Saline, Texas. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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