If YOU have a Flu-Like Illness Including: Fever greater than or equal to100ºF (37.8ºC)  AND COUGH OR SORE THROAT

 And History of travel to an affected area within 7-10 days of illness onset
 
OR Contact with an ill person fitting the above travel description within 7-10 days of illness onset
 
Then Stay Home and CALL your Doctor 
 
 IF no link to affected areas or travelers from affected areas, but you are mildly sick with flu-like symptoms – STAY HOME and recover, unless you have the following worrisome WARNING SIGNS:
 
In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include: 

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish skin color (for fair tones)and grayish skin color (for darker tones)
• Not drinking enough fluids
• 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
• Fever with a rash

 In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:   

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness or confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting

 Common Sense Precautions Include:

•  Wash your hands often, especially after coughing, sneezing, and wiping or blowing the nose.
• Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
• Use paper tissues when wiping or blowing your nose; throw tissues away after use.
• Stay away from crowded living and sleeping spaces, if possible.
• Stay home and avoid contact with other people to protect them from catching your illness. 

 More information:

•  Centers for Decease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov/swineflu  
• Maryland Dept of Health & Mental Hygiene www.dhmh.state.md.us/swineflu