Seasonal & H1N1 Flu: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
What is the flu?
The flu (influenza) is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs that is caused by influenza virus. The flu can spread from person to person. Most people with flu are sick for about a week, but then feel better. However, some people (especially young children, pregnant women, older people, and people with chronic health problems) can get very sick and some can die. More About the FluWhat is 2009 H1N1 flu?
2009 H1N1 flu is a new and very different influenza virus that is spreading worldwide among people. This new virus was called “swine flu” at first because it has pieces of flu viruses found in pigs in the past. This flu season the new virus may cause a lot more people to get sick than during a regular flu season. More About H1N1How does it spread?
H1N1 Flu spreads mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing, from contaminated hands, tissues, objects, or surfaces.How can I protect myself from getting sick?
It is important to prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illness. Take these everyday steps to protect yourself and those around you:- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
- If a tissue is not available, cough into your sleeve, not the air or your hands.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- If you are sick, stay at home. Limit your contact with others to keep from infecting them.
- WASH YOUR HANDS often with soap and water. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective
I think I and/or my child may have the flu. What should I look for?
Symptoms (generally abrupt onset) include:- Fever over 100.5° F
- Cough
- Sore Throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Body aches
- Headache
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea and vomiting (this symptom has not effected everyone)
- Close contact (within 6 feet) with someone who is sick and/or who has been diagnosed with flu.
I and/or my child meet the above criteria. What should I do?
Stay home and avoid traveling and going to work or school, for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, except to get medical care or for other necessities.Call your ARC clinic to make an appointment or speak to a nurse or our information line at (512) 272-4636 to be routed accordingly.
If you come in for an appointment, please use a mask when checking in, they are available at the check-in desk. This is to protect you as well as minimize the risk to those around you.
When should I seek emergency medical care?
In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish or gray skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
- Has other conditions (like heart or lung disease, diabetes, or asthma) and develops flu-like symptoms, including a fever and/or cough.
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Is there a vaccine for H1N1?
Yes, the 2009 H1N1 vaccine is expected to be available in the fall. More specific dates cannot be provided at this time as vaccine availability depends on several factors including manufacturing time and time needed to conduct clinical trials. The Texas Department of Health will distribute the vaccine. Check back regularly to find out more about the availability of H1N1 vaccine at Austin Regional Clinic. Visit the CDC web site for more indepth discussion of the H1N1 vaccine.Why do I need the Flu Vaccine?
Annual immunization is your best defense against influenza.You cannot get influenza from injectable vaccine because its source is a virus that has already been killed. In addition, you should be vaccinated every year because the vaccine is updated annually with strains of influenza virus that are considered most likely to infect the population. It takes up to 2 weeks for protection to develop after the shot. Protection lasts up to a year.When should I get the shot?
Yearly flu vaccination should begin in September or as soon as vaccine is available and continue throughout the influenza season, into December, January, and beyond. ARC offers flu shot clinics each year as soon as the flu vaccine is available.ARC is now administering the seasonal flu vaccine. See our flu clinic schedule and make an appointment for a flu shot by:
- Calling your doctor’s office
- Calling (512) 272-4636
- Making an online appointment request
Who should get vaccinated?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified the below high-risk groups that should get vaccinated each year:- Children aged 6 months up to their 19th birthday
- Pregnant women
- People 50 years of age and older
- People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
- People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
- People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
- Health care workers
- Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
- Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)