The H1N1 flu virus causes symptoms like any other flu, including fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may also experience vomiting and diarrhea, others may have respiratory symptoms without a fever. But the difference between the H1N1 strain and any other flu is that severe illnesses and sometimes death has occurred as a result.

For those with heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular disease, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (also known as the CDC) recommend the following: (http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/heart.htm).

•    Maintain at least a two week supply of your medications.

•    Do not stop taking your medications without first consulting your health care provider, especially in the event of influenza or a respiratory infection.

•    People with heart failure should be alert to changes in their breathing and should promptly report changes to their health care provider.

It is especially important to wash your hands often with soap and water and follow other basic hygiene steps to avoid infection. These would include covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and then throwing the tissue in the trash after you use it. Wash your hands afterwards, and if soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

Additionally, try to avoid close contact with sick people. And if you are sick with flu-like illness, the CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone (without the use of a fever-reducing medicine) except to get medical care or for other necessities. Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.

For Further information contact one of our physicians at NOHC.