What You Should Do If You Get Sick:
Influenza

If you become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, and stuffy nose, you should:

• Stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.

On this page:
When to call for help
People at high risk of complications
Caring for ill at home
How long to stay home
Caring for others while sick

When to call for help

• When to Get Medical Help for Flu Symptoms
  Symptoms to watch for in kids or adults.

People at high risk of complications

• People at High Risk of Developing Flu-Related Complications
  The CDC has identified certain groups of people who are at increased risk of becoming more severely ill if they become infected with seasonal influenza. It appears that the same groups are at increased risk with Novel H1N1 influenza.

Caring for the ill at home

Most people with influenza can be cared for at home. If the pandemic becomes severe and hospitals become crowded, even more people will need to be cared for at home.

• Caring for the Ill at Home
  Instructions on taking temperatures and other vital signs, giving bed baths, and other skills that can be helpful when caring for people with influenza at home.

How long to stay home

• How Long Should a Person with Influenza-Like Illness Stay Home
  Chart showing how long people in childcare, schools, higher education, and various adult occupations should stay home after having influenza-like illness.

Caring for others while sick

• Novel H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) and Feeding your Baby: What Parents Should Know
  Parents sick with flu should find someone who is not sick to feed the baby. Includes suggestions for maintaining breastfeeding while ill. Attention: Non-MDH link.

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