Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions - (10/20/09)

Novel H1N1 Influenza Q&A for Healthcare Providers (10/19/09)

Questions & Answers about H1N1 Influenza Vaccine (10/01/09)

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When to Seek Medical Care for Influenza

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There are 3 groups of patients with flu with respect to the need for medical care. These are:

1. People who are experiencing typical, mild symptoms of influenza and are not at higher risk for flu complications (see below) should stay home and avoid public places until they are well. Typical, mild symptoms include fever, sore throat, and cough.
2. People who are experiencing typical, mild symptoms of influenza and are at higher risk for complications (see below) should call their health provider, community health center, or the NM DOH Health Alert Hotline for consideration for treatment with antiviral medications.
3. People who develop severe symptoms of influenza should seek care immediately from the emergency room. Severe symptoms include shortness of breath, rapid breathing, dehydration, or decreased responsiveness.

People who are at higher risk for developing complications from H1N1 and seasonal flu are:

• Children younger than 2 years of age
  
• Adults 65 years of age and older, and
  
• Persons with the following conditions:
  
  • Chronic pulmonary (including asthma), cardiovascular (except hypertension), renal, hepatic, hematological (including sickle cell disease), neurologic, neuromuscular, or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus)
    
  • Immunosuppression, including that caused by medications or by HIV
    
  • Pregnant women and women up to 2 weeks postpartum
    
  • Persons younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy
    
  • Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities
    

NM DOH Interim Flu Decision Chart - (10/19/09)

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