There is a good possibility that you have contracted the H1N1 virus if you are suffering form flu-like symptoms. However there is no need to panic.
"The H1N1 (generally called swine flu) virus is throughout our community including in all of the schools already," confirmed Bill Wharton, spokesperson for Public Health-Dayton & Montgomery County. But Wharton adds that it is not all gloom and doom: “The significant thing is that it doesn’t make any difference; the symptoms are relatively mild and the same as the seasonal flu. What was feared is that H1N1 might mutate and become more severe, but to date that hasn’t happened.”
Don’t go into a hospital and expect be given a blood test and as the influenza is a virus you will not even be given standard antibiotics because they are not necessary.
The bottom line is that anyone which has H1N1 should treat that virus the same as they might with the seasonal influenza: get lots of rest, drink lots of liquids and stay at home for twenty-four hours after the fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medication. Those who need to be additionally cautious need to stay at home a further twenty-four to thirty six hours.
Greene County Combined Health District spokeswoman Sara Pappa confirmed that any influenza cases during the past 6 to 8 weeks are thought to be H1N1 because it is too early for the seasonal influenza.
