Treatment, Measures and Preventions
Treatment
Antiviral Treatements for Suspected and Confirmed cases.
Suspected Cases.
1.Empiric antiviral treatment is recommended for any ill person suspected to have swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection.
2.Antiviral treatment with either zanamivir alone or with a combination of oseltamivir and either amantadine or rimantadine should be initiated as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms.
3.Recommended duration of treatment is five days.
4.Antiviral doses and schedules recommended for treatment of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection are the same as those recommended for seasonal influenza.
Confirmed Cases
1.For antiviral treatment of a confirmed case of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection, either oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) may be administered.
2.Recommended duration of treatment is five days.
3.These same antivirals should be considered for treatment of cases that test positive for influenza A but test negative for seasonal influenza viruses H3 and H1 by PCR.
Measures and Preventions
1.Keeping hands clean is the most important step to avoid getting sick and spreading the H1N1 virus. Wash hands with clean water and hand soap.Rub hands together to form lather.
2.Warning! Do not give aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) to children or teenagers who have the flu; this can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye’s syndrome.
3.Check ingredient labels on over-the-counter cold and flu medications to see if they contain aspirin.
4.Children younger than 2 years of age should not be given over-the-counter cold medications without first speaking with a healthcare provider.
5.The safest care for flu symptoms in children younger than 2 years of age is using a cool-mist humidifier and a suction bulb to help clear away mucus.
6.Over-the-counter cold and flu medications used according to the package instructions may help lessen some symptoms such as cough and congestion. Importantly, these medications will not lessen how infectious a person is.
7.Check with your health care provider or pharmacist if you are taking other over-the-counter or prescription medications not related to the flu.