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Swine Flu

SYMPTOMS: Any person with a temperature greater than 100.5, and a cough, sore throat, muscle aches, possibly vomiting and diarrhea should call University Health Services at 448-5630 or call your private health care provider to make an appointment for evaluation.  The CDC and the Tennessee Department of Health have asked that we increase our surveillance for swine flu in such patients.  Please be reassured that swine flu DOES respond to the commonly used anti-viral medication Tamiflu.

The Tennessee Department of Health is partnering with the Tennessee Poison Center to provide a free Flu Information Line for all Tennessee residents. The number is 1-877-252-3432. Information will be available weekdays from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The time may be varied according to the number of calls received. Information will be available for English and non-English speakers.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO STAY HEALTHY

There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.

If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Know the Difference between Cold and H1N1 Flu Symptoms


Symptom : Fever

Cold: Fever is rare with a cold.

H1N1 Flu: Fever is usually present with the flu in up to 80% of all flu cases.=2 0A temperature of 100°F or higher for 3 to 4 days is associated with the flu.

Symptom : Coughing

Cold: A hacking, productive (mucus- producing) cough is often present with a cold.

H1N1 Flu: A non-productive (non-mucus producing) cough is usually present with the flu (sometimes referred to as dry cough).


Symptom : Aches

Cold: Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold.

H1N1 Flu: Severe aches and pains are common with the flu.


Symptom : Stuffy Nose

Cold: Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week.

H1N1 Flu: Stuffy nose is not commonly present with the flu.

Symptom : Chills

Cold: Chills are uncommon with a cold.

H1N1 Flu: 60% of people who have the flu experience chills.

Symptom : Tiredness

Cold: Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold.

H1N1 Flu: Tiredness is moderate to severe with the flu.


Symptom : Sneezing

Cold: Sneezing is commonly present with a cold.

H1N1 Flu: Sneezing is not common with the flu.


Symptom : Sudden Symptoms

Cold: Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days.

H1N1 Flu: The flu has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains.

Symptom : Headache

Cold: A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold.

H1N1 Flu: A headache is very common with the flu, present in 80% of flu cases.


Symptom : Sore Throat

Cold: Sore throat is commonly present with a cold.

H1N1 Flu: Sore throat is not commonly present with the flu.


Symptom : Chest Discomfort

Cold: Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold.

H1N1 Flu: Chest discomfort is often severe with the flu.


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910 Madison Ave. Suite 922
Memphis, Tennessee 38163
Phone: 901-448-5630
Fax: 901-448-7255