Home

Public Health Alerts

Clinic Locations

Programs and Services

Health Connection

Birth and Death Certificates

Request Records

Board of Health

Health Regulations

Environmental Health

Food Establishment/Restaurant Inspections

Emergency Preparedness

Employment

Media

About Us

Stay Informed

SLVHD is committed to providing information that is both timely and accurate. Visit our website often for the most recent H1N1 news. Sign up for our H1N1 email alerts and be the first to know when the vaccine arrives in the valley.

Protect Yourself, Your Family and Community: Prevention & Treatment

Find a Flu Clinic Near You & Get Vaccinated!

• Vaccination is the best protection against contracting the flu. Visit our vaccination page for more information.

Prevention is Key. These small steps can make a big difference.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• Are you prepared? Store extra food, over-the-counter medicines, tissues, sanitizer and other essential supplies. Find more information in the "Flu Planning Checklist."

What to Do if You Develop Flu-Like Symptoms

Although some cases have turned fatal, it is expected that most people who contract H1N1 will recover without seeking medical attention. Tips for effective home care. Only those with severe symptoms, and those at high risk for complications, should seek emergency care. 

Are you at high risk for complications?

People at higher risk of flu complications should take extra care

• Babies under 2 years.
• Seniors.
  
• Pregnant women.
  
• People with asthma, diabetes or other chronic conditions affecting the heart, lungs, blood, liver or kidneys.
  
• People with weakened immune systems (ex. w/HIV).
  
• Those under 18 on long-term aspirin therapy.

When to seek emergency medical care

• Difficult, painful or rapid breathing?
  
• Slow, weak breathing?
  
• Shortness of breath?
  
• Chest pain? 
  
• Extreme drowsiness and difficulty awakening?
  
• Disorientation or confusion?
  
• Constant vomiting or diarrhea? (especially in elderly person or young children)
  
• Coughing up blood?
  
• Blue lips, tongue or face?
  
• Too weak to move your arms or legs?
  
• Are you feeling better, then suddenly experiencing a high fever or repeat illness?
  
• Has it been more than 12 hours since you urinated?
  

If you answered no to all of the above symptoms:

• Your illness is not severe and can be treated at home. Tips for effective home care.

If you answered yes to any of the above symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

Antivirals (Treatment)

• Antiviral drugs help treat those who become severely ill with influenza.
• These drugs are prescriptive medication, and must be prescribed by a health care professional.
• Tamiflu (77 KB) and Relenza (27 KB) are recommended for use against H1N1 flu.
    - The drugs work best if taken within 2 days of becoming ill.
    - Most people do not need these antiviral drugs to fully recover from the flu.
    - Those at higher risk for severe flu complications, or those with severe flu illness
      who require hospitalization, might benefit from antiviral medications.
    - Antiviral medications are available for persons 1 year of age and older. Ask your
      healthcare provider whether you need antiviral medication.
  

Antibiotics (Bacterial Infections)

Influenza infections can lead to or occur with bacterial infections. Therefore, some people will also need to take antibiotics.

More severe or prolonged illness or illness that seems to get better, but then gets worse again may be an indication that a person has a bacterial infection.

Check with your healthcare provider if you have concerns.

Over-the-Counter Medications

Warning: Do not give aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) to children or teenagers who have the flu; this can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye’s syndrome.

• Check ingredient labels on over-the-counter cold and flu medications to see if they contain aspirin.
• Teenagers with the flu should take medicines without aspirin, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, Nuprin®), to relieve symptoms.
• Children younger than 4 years of age should not be given over-the-counter cold medications without first speaking with a healthcare provider.
• The safest care for flu symptoms in children younger than 2 years of age is the use of a cool-mist humidifier and a suction bulb to help clear away mucus.
  

Important: Over the counter medications will not lessen how infectious a person is.