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Caring for Someone Sick at Home

About 2009 H1N1 Flu

December 5, 2009, 6:00 AM ET

Many people may become sick with 2009 H1N1 flu

This flu season, many people may get sick with 2009 H1N1 flu, as well as with seasonal flu.

• The first cases of 2009 H1N1 flu were reported in the spring of 2009. Since the virus is new, most people are not immune to it. That means many more people may become sick than usual this flu season.
• The word “flu” is short for “influenza.” They mean the same thing.

5 steps to take if you get 2009 H1N1 or seasonal flu

1. Stay at home and rest.
2. Avoid close contact with well people in your house so you won’t make them sick.
3. Drink plenty of water and other clear liquids to prevent fluid loss (dehydration).
4. Treat fever and cough with medicines you can buy at the store.
5. If you get very sick or are pregnant or have a medical condition that puts you at higher risk of flu complications (like asthma…), call your doctor. You might need antiviral medicine to treat flu.