Information for Families
Viruses spread quickly around people in the home, when close contact is almost unavoidable. We can help you develop a plan to stop the spread of the disease around your home, and give you information you need to take care of yourself and your family.
What should I do to prepare my household for a flu pandemic?
If you develop flu symptoms, you will most likely be told to stay at home for at least 7 days. If you plan ahead you will be able to keep your house running safely and smoothly while you are not able to leave the house. You will need at least a week's supply of food and water, and any essential medicines that any member of your family relies on. You may need a supply of:
• Regular medication
• Paracetamol
• Tissues
• Masks
• Disposable gloves
• Hand sanitizers
• Liquid hand soap
SHOP FOR THESE ITEMS NOW IN THE FLU CENTRE
Please view our Flu Pandemic Guide for families.
Tips to keep from getting sick
• Wash your hands often with soap and water and dry them thoroughly. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with people you know to be sick.
• Reduce time spent in crowded settings.
Some common questions and answers about Swine Flu
What are the symptoms?
• Fever
• Cough
• Runny/stuffy nose
• Body aches
• Headache
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Diarrhoea and vomiting – sometimes
What will happen if I am pregnant and I get the swine flu?
Pregnant women are more likely to get sick than others, and seasonal flu can sometimes cause serious problems in pregnancy. It is not yet known if this virus will cause problems for pregnant women or unborn child, so it is very important to stay well. Talk to your doctor about Tamiflu if you get flu symptoms.
Will breastfeeding protect my baby from getting the virus?
Since this is a new virus, we don’t know yet about specific protection against it, but breastfeeding does pass antibodies from mother to baby that will help fight off infection.
What is Tamiflu?
Tamiflu is an antiviral medication that can be prescribed by a doctor to prevent the flu virus spreading inside your body.
If started within 48 hours of the first symptoms of flu appearing Tamiflu can:
• reduce the severity of flu symptoms
• reduce the length of time you are infectious
• reduce the time it takes you to recover from the illness.
Learn more about Tamiflu or visit our SHOP.
Can I take Tamiflu if I am pregnant?
Yes. Talk to your doctor about this.
Should I keep breastfeeding if I am taking Tamiflu?
Yes. Do not stop breastfeeding your baby.
Should I keep breastfeeding if I get the Swine Flu?
Yes! Breastfeeding will pass on antibodies to your baby which help fight off infection. You should wear a mask and disposable gloves when feeding, to protect baby from the virus.
Should my child go to school?
Children should be kept home from school if they are showing signs of the flu. This is both to help prevent spreading the virus to classmates, and also so they can be monitored at home.
How can I help prevent my child getting sick at school?
School aged children can be taught good hygine habits – still the best protection!
Alcohol based hand sanitisers or wipes should be used by children throughout the school day. Consider the new 24 hour protection sprays which are great for kids who are out and about.
Will I be able to tell the difference between swine flu and normal flu?
No. You will need to be tested by a health professional.
What can I expect if I have swine flu?
• Day 1–3:
Sudden fever (temperature over 38° C), headache, muscle pain and weakness, dry cough, sore throat and sometimes stuffed nose.
• Day 4:
Fever and muscle aches decrease. Hoarse, dry or sore throat, cough and possible mild chest discomfort become more noticeable. You may feel tired, depressed or flat.
• Day 8:
Symptoms decrease. Cough, tiredness and mild depression may last 1–2 weeks or more.
When should I see a doctor?
Watch for signs that the sick person may need further medical attention including:
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Blueness around the lips
• Inability to keep fluids down
• Becoming less alert or developing confusion.
It is important to seek medical attention as soon as these symptoms occur. Ring your GP, hospital or healthline for assistance on 0800 611 116.
What do I do if I feel unwell?
Stay at home and manage your symptoms. Ring your GP, hospital or healthline for assistance on 0800 611 116.
How long is a person infectious for?
For as long as they are showing symptoms, and for up to 24 hours after the last sign of symptoms. This could be longer in young children. Early use of antivirals such as Tamiflu reduces this relatively quickly.
Should I be wearing a mask?
If you are not sick you do not have to wear a mask all the time.
You should be wearing a mask any time you come into contact with anyone who has flu symptoms. You may not always know when this will be - so be prepared and have access to masks at all times.
If I have had the flu vaccine, am I protected from Swine Flu?
The 2010 seasonal influenza vaccine does include protection against the swine flu (A/H1N1 pandemic influenza), in addition to other common flu strains.
What do I do if I get sick?
If you have flu symptoms you should:
- Rest and take plenty of fluids
- Take paracetamol regularly to reduce fever and body aches
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing and, if using tissues, make sure you dispose of them carefully. Clean your hands immediately after with soap and water or cleanse them with an alcohol-based hand rub
- If you do not have a tissue close by when you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth as much as possible with the crook of your elbow
- If you have some, you could use a mask to help you contain the spread of droplets when you are around others, but be sure to use the mask correctly
- Inform family and friends about your illness and try to avoid close contact with other people
- Seek medical advice if your symptoms get worse
What are the warning signs I should be looking for?
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
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
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Please visit our SHOP to find products that will help you and your family be prepared.
How long can influenza virus remain viable on objects (such as books and doorknobs)?
Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for up to 2-8 hours after being deposited on the surface.
What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air and land on any surface. It will then be spread when someone touches a surface like a desk, for example, and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.
What cleaning should be done to prevent the spread of influenza virus?
It is important to keep surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, kitchen counters and toys for children) clean by wiping them down with a normal household disinfectant according to directions on the product label.
How should linens, eating utensils and dishes of persons infected with influenza virus be handled?
Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but importantly these items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first. Linens (such as bed sheets and towels) should be washed by using household laundry soap and tumbled dry on a hot setting. Individuals should avoid “hugging” laundry prior to washing it to prevent contaminating themselves. Individuals should wash their hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub immediately after handling dirty laundry.
Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap.
