CDC Tips on Recovering from the Swine Flu

US Federal Agency's Recommendations on Recovery from the H1N1 Virus

Nov 12, 2009 Ronald G Falconberry

The Centers for Disease Control has issued recommendations on how to recover from the novel H1N1 influenza virus and how to protect others from contracting the swine flu.

The United States Department of Health and Human Services declared on April 26, 2009, that a public health emergency existed due to the number of confirmed H1N1 flu cases throughout the nation. Vaccinations for the novel H1N1 influenza virus, also known as the swine flu, are being shipped to health organizations across the country but the virus continues to spread.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a Health and Human Services agency, has issued recommendations on how those who have the H1N1 virus may recover from the flu.

Stay at Home While Recovering from the H1N1 Virus

The CDC recommends that anyone who has the swine flu should stay home and avoid contact with other people to prevent spreading the disease. People suffering from the H1N1 virus should not go to work, to school or anywhere else where the public gathers. If it is necessary to go out in public, such as to the doctor, a face mask should be worn.

Take Medication to Aid Recovery from the Swine Flu

According to the CDC, most people will recover from the swine flu without complications and it has prioritized the use of antiviral drugs for higher risk individuals such as pregnant women, children under two years old, seniors over 65, people hospitalized with the flu, and others. Doctors may prescribe the antiviral drugs for individuals in these groups. Additionally, since H1N1 flu infections could also be caused by or lead to bacterial infections, a doctor may also prescribe antibiotics to help a flu sufferer recover.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications may be used to help alleviate H1N1 flu symptoms.

Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen and other OTC medicines may be used to alleviate aches and pains and reduce fevers.
OTC cold and flu medications may be taken to reduce the symptoms of coughs and congestion.

Aspirin should not be given to children or teenagers who have the flu because of the risk of developing Reyes syndrome. Additionally, check OTC cold and flu labels to see if they include fever reducers or aspirin in order to avoid double dosing.

Those who are suffering from the swine flu should consult with a doctor or pharmacist if they are taking any prescription or OTC medicines that are not related to the flu.

Protect Others from Exposure to H1N1 Virus

At home, there are several precautions that may be taken to protect other family members or occupants from becoming ill with the virus, including the following:

Sleep in a separate bedroom and use a separate bathroom if possible. If a common bathroom is used, it should be disinfected daily.
Stay out of common areas as much as possible but, when other people are near, wear a face mask.
Cover the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and frequently wash hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Use paper towels or a dedicated towel instead of using a common hand towel. Throw away the paper towels, tissues or other disposable items immediately after use.
Eating utensils, dishes and linens should not be shared without first being properly washed. Other shared objects, such as telephones, remote controls or other items should be sanitized frequently.
Avoid being the care-taker for infants or other individuals who are in high risk groups. People who are in high risk groups should also not be caregivers to those recovering from the H1N1 virus.
If well-wishers come by to visit, they should wear a face mask or an N95 respirator.

Following these recommendations will help reduce the risk of spreading the H1N1 virus to family members or friends.

How Long to Stay Home While Recovering from the Swine Flu

The length of time that flu sufferers should stay at home is referred to as an exclusion period. The CDC recommends that health-care industry workers suffering from the swine flu should stay home during one of the following exclusion periods, whichever is longer:

seven days after symptoms of the flu appear
at least 24 hours after the end of flu-like symptoms

For everyone else who has the H1N1 flu, the CDC recommends staying home for at least 24 hours after their fever, or signs of a fever, is gone, without the use of fever-reducing medicine.

People who had the swine flu will continue shedding the virus for up to ten days so, even after returning to work or school, they should continue to practice good health hygiene by covering their coughs, washing hands often and avoiding those who are at increased risk of flu-related complications.

Additional Reading on the H1N1 Virus

CDC 2009 H1N1 Flu - This is the official H1N1 home page for the CDC and contains links to information on the virus, vaccinations, high risk groups, current updates and much more.
Flu.gov - This Health and Human Services web site provides information for the general public, medical professionals, business leaders, and government and community entities on all flu outbreaks.

The copyright of the article CDC Tips on Recovering from the Swine Flu in General Medicine is owned by Ronald G Falconberry. Permission to republish CDC Tips on Recovering from the Swine Flu in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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