Swine flu (H1N1 virus)

Most people who get the H1N1 swine flu virus will have a mild flu-like illness that does not require a doctor's visit or antiviral medications. In these cases, it's best to stay at home until you have had no fever (without the use of fever-reducing medications) for at least 24 hours. Be sure to cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and wash your hands frequently to avoid spreading the virus.

People who are at higher risk for complications if they develop the flu:

• Children younger than 5 years old

• People 65 and older

• Pregnant women

• People who have

• Cancer;

• Blood disorders (including sickle cell disease);

• Chronic lung disease (including asthma or obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD]);

• Diabetes;

• Heart, Kidney or liver disorders;

• Neurological disorders and neuromuscular disorders (including muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis);

• Weakened immune systems (including people with AIDS).

WARNING SIGNS: Seek medical care immediately (emergency)

In children

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing,

• Bluish skin colour,

• Reduced milk and water intake,

• Not waking up or not interacting,

• Child is so much Irritable that he/she does not want to be held,

• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough,

• Fever with a rash.

In adults

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath,

• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen,

• Sudden dizziness,

• Confusion,

• Severe or persistent vomiting.