The CDC and Iowa Department of Public Health recommend that people with flu
symptoms (fever, sore throat, cough, body aches, severe fatigue, runny nose) stay home
until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100 degrees F/38 degrees C) without
the use of any anti-fever medication (including aspirin, Tylenol or ibuprofen).
If you are at higher risk for complications from the flu contact your health care provider
as soon as possible. Children younger than 5 years of age, pregnant women, people of
any age with a chronic medical condition (such as pulmonary disease, asthma, diabetes, a
neurological condition, or heart disease) and people 65 years of age or older are more
likely to get complications from the flu.
Take antiviral drugs if recommended by your health care provider. Antiviral drugs can
make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious
complications. Antiviral drugs are not antibiotics and are not sold over the counter.
They work best if started within 2 days of the beginning of symptoms.
If you or your child of 5 years or older are otherwise healthy and get flu-like symptoms,
consult your doctor as needed. Make sure you or your child get plenty of rest and fluids.
Stay home and keep your sick child home from school or daycare for at least 24 hours
after the fever is gone. The fever should be gone without the use of fever reducing
medicine.
If your child is younger than 5 or has a medical condition like asthma, diabetes, a heart
condition, or a neurological condition, call your doctor immediately if the child develops
flu-like symptoms.
Call or take your child to the doctor immediately if your child seems very sick or has
gotten better then seems worse.
As always, protect yourself and others from getting the flu by
• Washing your hands with soap and water or using a hand sanitizer
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Staying home when you are sick and avoiding others who are sick
For more information contact your local health care provider or Community Health
Partners (CHP) at 712 737-2971/1-800-435-3454. Stay updated on seasonal flu and
H1N1 by visiting the CHP website @ www.siouxcountychp.org