Share
Last spring, H1N1 flu, also called swine flu, was all over the news. Most people got better after having a fever, sore throat and body aches, similar to the symptoms of the seasonal flu. But some people who have other health problems got very sick.
Health officials consider H1N1flu a pandemic. That means the H1N1 virus has spread throughout the world, can make people very sick and can spread easily from one person to another.
The best defense
Medical experts say instead of worrying, wash your hands. Keeping your hands clean can help protect you from germs. More steps you can take:
Avoid people who are sick (coughing, fever, etc.).
Try to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. That's how germs get in your body.
Don't drink out of the same cup or share utensils (forks, spoons) with other people.
Symptoms of H1N1 flu include a fever plus one or more of these: Cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headaches, tiredness. A person who has the H1N1 virus also might throw up or have diarrhea.
Most people who catch the H1N1 virus will get better on their own, but if someone has a medical condition, like asthma or diabetes, or is very sick and needs to be hospitalized, antiviral medicine might help the person get better faster.
Skip school
It's very important to stay home from school when you're sick. By staying home from school, you make it less likely you will make other people sick. And if it turns out you do have H1N1, rest at home is what you need to get better. Return to school only when you're feeling better, no longer coughing/sneezing and you haven't had a fever for at least 24 hours.
Get a shot (or a squirt)
Health experts say the H1N1 vaccine is a good idea, especially for young people. Usually, we think about just one kind of flu during flu season. But this year, we have two: regular (or seasonal) flu and H1N1. Seasonal flu comes every year and there's a vaccine (a shot or nasal spray) for it. The H1N1 virus is new and there's a vaccine for it, too.
Vaccines work because they give your body a little piece of the germ that causes an illness. It's enough to build your body's immunity without making you sick.
When the H1N1 vaccine is available, medical experts recommend all kids get it. For those of you who don't like needles, the vaccination also may be available in mist form. That way, the nurse just sprays a mist up your nose and you're all set.
Your mom or dad can talk with your doctor about the H1N1 vaccine. Afraid of getting a shot? Try this: Make your arm loose like spaghetti before the shot goes in. Relax your hand and fingers. The looser you are, the less the shot will hurt.
Health information provided by Nemours' KidsHealth.org
