The H1N1 flu (Swine Flu) virus is causing illness in people in the USA and around the world.  As a result, you or the people around you may become ill.  If so, you need to know the symptoms and what to do if you become sick.  **If you are having ANY of the following symptoms OR if one of your caretakers becomes ill, please call the Transplant Center IMMEDIATELY 615-936-0393**

Symptoms: The symptoms of the H1N1 flu virus are much like symptoms of seasonal flu

Fever above 101oF
Chills               
New Cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Body aches
Headache
Diarrhea and vomiting

Emergency Warning Signs – if you also have any of the following you please notify us but DO not delay going to the hospital

Difficulty Breathing

•  Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting or flu like symptoms that improve but return with fever

Protect Yourself, Your Family, and Community:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based disinfectant gels also work well
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth -- this is how germs are spread
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people
• If a household members is sick they need to wear a facemask, to help prevent spreading the virus to others
• If you leave the house -- wear a facemask and cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue
• You may be contagious for 1 day prior to symptoms and for 1 week after symptoms
• If someone  in your household has symptoms  or a positive Flu test:  Please ask them to go to their doctor for testing and possible treatment

Vaccination

We will make final recommendations about this vaccine once clinical trials are completed. If the trials go smoothly, we will likely recommend vaccination for all of our patients and for caretakers between ages 25-64.

**You need to get a regular flu vaccination by injection only (NOT FLUMIST) immediately when it becomes available this year . You can get both vaccines on the same day if available (and we have made final recommendations on getting the swine flu vaccine.**

Treatment is Available for Those Who Are Seriously Ill: Antiviral drugs can be given to treat those who become severely ill with influenza . These antiviral drugs are prescription medicines and must be prescribed by a health care professional