In the scheme of treating seasonal or H1N1 influenzas, it’s generally not important to know which type of flu you have.
It is, however, important to know what emergency signs to watch for and when to get medical intervention.
“Do not contact health care professionals to determine whether or not you have H1N1,” public health officer Ann Mayo said at a news conference on Friday. “Only contact health care professionals if you are ill enough to need more care than you can provide at home.”
People with underlying health conditions who have the flu may want to contact their health care professionals for advice, or call the Flint Hills Community Health Center, 342-4864, Ext. 3760, for an appointment.
These are emergency warning signs that should lead people to seek medical help.
In children
• Fast breathing or troubled breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• 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
• 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