What's the difference between H1N1/swine flu and seasonal flu?

While the symptoms and severity are similar to seasonal flu, the information analyzed by CDC supports that 2009 H1N1/swine flu has caused greater disease burden in people younger than 25 years of age than older people. At this time, there are few cases and few deaths reported in people older than 64 years old, which is unusual when compared with seasonal flu. 

However, pregnancy and other previously recognized high risk medical conditions from seasonal influenza appear to be associated with increased risk of complications from this 2009 H1N1. These underlying conditions include asthma, diabetes, suppressed immune systems, heart disease, kidney disease, neurocognitive and neuromuscular disorders and pregnancy.

How can I keep from getting the flu?

Practice good hygiene and follow these tips to protect yourself.  

• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick. If you get sick, stay home and avoid contact with others. 
• After you are free from fever, stay home at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.
• Wash hands with soap and water and use alcohol gel.
• Avoid touching your mouth or nose. Germs spread that way.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Throw the tissue away after use.
• If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your sleeve, not your hands.
• Visit the CDC Web site for more information.

What are the symptoms?

While most people who have been sick have recovered without needing medical treatment, hospitalizations and deaths from infection have occurred. In most cases, to relieve pain and symptoms, administer fluids and make sure you are getting plenty of rest. Acetaminophen helps with aches, pains and fever reduction.

Similar to the symptoms of regular seasonal flu: 

• fever
• headache
• extreme tiredness
• lack of appetite
• muscle aches
• runny or stuffy nose
• sore throat
• dry cough
• Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, can also occur, but are more common in children than adults.

The flu may be spread to others from the day before getting sick to 5 to 7 days after.

When do I seek medical attention?  

Use the same judgment and common sense as last flu season to decide when to seek treatment. If you suspect you have the flu, call your primary care physician. The Tennessee Department of Health suggests that, "in the majority of cases, testing is unnecessary" and that treatment may begin based on symptoms without a test confirmation.

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Fast breathing or trouble 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

LeBonheur Children's Medical Center has created a flu-screening area adjacent to the Emergency entrance on Adams Street. A Parent's Guide to the Flu is available online with more information.

What medications are available to treat swine flu infections in humans?

CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza). Other drugs are being tested, but early treatment with flu medicines is recommended.

Seasonal flu shots are available now and swin flu vaccines are expected to be released in early October. 

Where can I find more flu updates from Methodist Healthcare?

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Are there any hotlines where I can talk to a real person for more information?

The Tennessee Department of Health is partnering with the Tennessee Poison Center to provide a flu information line for Tennessee residents: 877.252.3432 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

The Memphis & Shelby County Health Department has a H1N1 hotline: 901.379.H1N1 that's available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 

Information will be available for English and non-English speakers from both hotlines.