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Seasonal Flu Information
Seasonal Flu Vaccines
H1N1 Flu Vaccines | What is H1N1 or Swine Flu?
H1N1, or more commonly referred to as swine flu, is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms are very similar to the ordinary seasonal flu including:
- Fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Decreased appetite
Please contact your primary healthcare provider for treatment of seasonal flu. If you do not have a primary care physician, please call Brazosport Regional’s physician referral line at 979-285-1106 or click the physicians tab on this website. If flu-like symptoms are prominent, you may also visit Brazosport Regional’s Urgent Care Center located at 508 This Way in Lake Jackson.
Most flu-like symptoms can be managed at home but if you become more ill and experience any of the following warning signs seek emergency medical care.
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
Are Medications Available to Treat Swine Flu
Yes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention antiviral drugs like relenza and tamiflu are sensitive to the swine flu. Antiviral medications may make the illness milder for people who are already sick, and can minimize or prevent serious flu complications.
People sick with any type of flu should make sure to drink enough fluids, get plenty of rest, eat healthy foods, wash hands frequently and stay home to avoid spreading the flu to other people. |