Both illnesses have similar symptoms, but there are some key differences in
how you can best protect yourself and your family. Most healthy
people recover from either type of flu without problems, but certain
people are at high risk for serious complications.
What to do about flu symptoms
Do you or a family member have flu symptoms? Mild symptoms
do not require a trip to the emergency room. Instead, Texas
Children's advises bed rest, plenty of fluids and a fever-reducing
medicine, such as Tylenol®. If
you exhibit emergency warning
signs of the flu, seek immediate medical care. If you visit the
emergency room and are not sick with the flu, you run the risk of
catching it from someone who does have the virus.
Be aware of H1N1, but not alarmed by it
H1N1 is a viral respiratory infection that spreads from person to person
and has symptoms similar to the seasonal flu.
In general, H1N1 illnesses range from mild to very severe, similar to the seasonal flu. Learn
more about H1N1 and educate yourself about some of the
myths and facts surrounding influenza.
Get vaccinated
Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself
from seasonal flu. There are 2 types of seasonal flu vaccine: the
traditional “flu shot” that is given with
a needle, and nasal spray flu vaccine (FluMist®).
The seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for people who want to
protect themselves from the flu. Neither of these vaccines
protects against H1N1 flu.
There is a specific H1N1 vaccine being developed to protect
against this new virus. When an H1N1 vaccine is ready, the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will identify
recommended priority groups.
Learn more about the flu vaccines.
Texas
Children’s recommends that pregnant women get the seasonal
flu vaccine. If you are pregnant, getting a flu vaccine can
significantly reduce your risk of severe illness and
complications from the flu. The flu vaccine is safe for you
and your baby. The CDC considers pregnant women one of the
priority vaccination groups,
so make sure you get vaccinated as soon as possible this flu
season.
When the
H1N1 vaccine becomes available, Texas Children’s recommends
getting that vaccine as well.
Protect yourself and your family
In addition to getting vaccinated, there are other ways you can protect yourself and your family,
including washing your hands often; covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze
or cough; avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth; and avoiding close contact
with people who are sick.
Texas Children's
Hospital is only performing flu tests on children who are
admitted to the hospital with respiratory illness or children with
flu symptoms who have an underlying health condition that makes them
more susceptible to complications. Texas Children's is not testing
or providing treatment to children who exhibit only mild flu
symptoms.
