Symptoms: If You Think You Have the Flu

• Symptoms for the seasonal flu and H1N1 are the same: cough, fever, sore throat, body aches, stuffy or runny nose, chills, fever, headache and fatigue.

• Some people also experience vomiting and diarrhea.

• Call your doctor. Early treatment can lessen the flu's severity.

• If you are sick, stay home and avoid contact – try to stay at least six feet from others.

• Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, without taking fever-reducing medication. (A temperature of 100° F or greater is considered a fever.)

• If you have the flu, you can infect others from one day before getting sick, to five to seven days after. The infectious period may be longer for those with the H1N1 flu, for children and for individuals with weakened immune systems.

• Rest, drink fluids and avoid alcohol and tobacco.

• Over-the-counter medications may help you relieve the symptoms, but never give aspirin to children with the flu.

• Be aware of the emergency warning signs that require immediate medical attention:

• For adults: trouble breathing or shortness of breath; pain or pressure in chest or abdomen; dizziness or confusion; excessive vomiting

• For children: trouble or rapid breathing; bluish skin color; not drinking fluids; not waking or interacting; cranky about being held; symptoms improve but then return with fever or worsened cough; fever with rash