• Persons not at higher risk for complications do not require antiviral medications for treatment or prophylaxis. 
• Influenza patient presenting with warning symptoms of dyspnea, tachypnea, or unexplained oxygen desaturation should promptly receive antiviral therapy. This patient should be sent to the emergency room. 
• Treatment should be initiated as early as possible within 48 hours of illness onset. Do not wait for laboratory confirmation of influenza. 
• Groups at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 influenza complications are similar to those at higher risk for seasonal influenza complications.
• Providers might choose to provide patients at higher risk for influenza-related complications (patients with neuromuscular disease) with a prescription that can be filled at the onset of symptoms.
• Antiviral chemoprophylaxis should be given to persons at higher risk for influenza-related complications who have been in contact with someone infected with influenza.
• H1N1 influenza or seasonal influenza who present with an uncomplicated febrile illness typically do not require treatment. 

• 70% of persons hospitalized from 2009 H1N1 influenza have had a recognized high risk condition (approximately 60% of children and approximately 80% among adults).
• Highest rates of hospitalization in children younger than 2 years of age.
• People 65 and older are at lower risk of infection from 2009 H1N1 seasonal influenza, people 65 or older who develop 2009 H1N1 influenza infection are at increased risk of influenza-related complications.  
• People who are obese may be at increased risk of hospitalization and death due to 2009 H1N1 influenza infection.
• H1N1 influenza appears to be transmitted in ways similar to other influenza viruses. All respiratory secretions and bodily fluids (including diarrheal stool) should be considered potentially infectious.

• Aspirin or aspirin-containing products (e.g. bismuth subsalicylate – Pepto Bismol) should not be administered to any confirmed or suspected ill case of influenza. Tylenol and Motrin can be used.
• Patients may continue to shed influenza virus for up to four or more days after beginning therapy. Continue good handwashing and respiratory practices.

• Antiviral agents should not be used for post exposure chemoprophylaxis in healthy children or adults based on potential exposures in the community, school, camp or other settings.
• Chemoprophylaxis generally is not recommended if more than 48 hours have elapsed since the last contact with an infectious person. Chemoprophylaxis lowers, but does not eliminate the risk of influenza and that protection stops when the medication course is stopped. 

• Decreases the spread of influenza A and B viruses. Neuraminidase is an enzyme that enables the influenza virus to spread from infected cells to healthy cells. 
• Reduces duration of symptoms by 1½ days if treatment is started within 48 hours after symptoms begin.
• No generic, room temperature, prescription required.
• Treat adults with symptoms less than 2 days. 
• No known interactions between Tamiflu and other drugs. Tamiflu does not interact with the flu vaccine. Vaccinated individuals can use Tamiflu.
• Tamiflu has not be evaluated in pregnant women or nursing mothers.
• Side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bronchitis, abdominal pain, headache and dizziness. 
• Giving Tamiflu after meals helps reduce nausea.

• Decreases the spread of influenza A and B viruses. Neuraminidase is an enzyme that enables the influenza virus to spread from infected cells to healthy cells. 
• Reduces duration of symptoms by 1 day if treatment is started within 48 hours after symptoms begin.
• No generic, room temperature, prescription required.
• 12 years of age or older with symptoms less that 2 days.
• Inhaler device, rotadisk containing 5 mg blisters of Relenza. Oral inhalation. 

• No known interactions between Relenza and other drugs. Relenza does not interact with the flu vaccine. Vaccinated individuals can use Relenza. 
• Relenza has not be evaluated in pregnant women or nursing mothers. 
• The side effects include headaches, diarrhea, nausea, cough, vomitting and dizziness. Sinusitis, ear, nose and throat infections may occur.

• Symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, diarrhea, vomiting
• Severe disease with pneumonia, respiratory failure or death is possible.
• Bacterial infections may occur at the same time as after infection with influenza virus and can lead to pneumonia, ear infection or sinusitis.

• Check with health care provider if: health condition as diabetes, heart disease, asthma or emphysema.
• Adults stay at home 7 days after the start of illness and fever is gone. Children ususally about 10 days after the onset of symptoms.
• A sick person should wear a surgical mask if they need to be in a common area of the house, or near other people.
• Sick people should use separate bathroom if possible. Clean it daily with household disinfectant. Spray house areas. Wipe down counters or areas where droplets could fall and clean with disinfectant spray.
• Use paper towels for drying hands after handwashing or dedicated towel to each person in the household.
• Good ventilation in household areas. Keep windows open during the day.
• Linens, eating utensils and dishes belonging to the sick person should not be shared. 
• Wash linens (bed sheets and towels) by using laundry soap and tumble dry on a hot setting. 
• Avoid hugging laundry prior to washing it to prevent contaminating yourself. 
• Wash hands with soap and water right after handling dirty laundry.
• Get rest.
• Drink clear liquids to keep from being dehydrated.
• Cover coughs and sneezes. Clean hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub often and especially after using tissues and after coughing or sneezing into hands.
• Avoid close contact with others-do not go to work or school while ill.
• Do not give aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) or Pepto Bismol for children or teenagers who have the flu, because they may get a rare illness called Reye’s Syndrome.
• OK to take Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) for symptom relief.
• Cool mist humdifier.
• Use a suction bulb with saline to help clear away nasal mucus.

• Difficulty breathing or chest pain
• Purple or blue discoloration of the lips
• Vomiting and unable to keep liquids down
• Signs of dehydration, dizziness when standing
• Seizures
• Less responsive than normal or becomes confused

• Keep the person away from other people as much as possible.
• Cover coughs and sneenzes and wash hands afterwards.

• Avoid being face to face with sick person (less than 6 feet away).
• When holding small children, put their chin on your shoulder so they will not cough in your face.
• Clean hands with soap and water, alcohol-based hand rub after you touch the sick person or handle used tissues or laundry.
• Caregiver should wear mask around sick person.

This is a compilation  of excerpts from the www.CDC.gov website with editing by Eclipse Medical Group.  Use by members of Children's Healthcare is permitted.  Authentication of content is the responsibility of the user.