For more information about the Siletz Tribe, please visit ctsi.nsn.us.
Your flu vaccine protects me.
My flu vaccine protects you.
The most recent FluView report for the 2014-2015 flu season shows that flu season is beginning
in the United States. There are reports of flu illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths, and activity is
expected to increase in the coming weeks.
CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. There are documented
benefits from flu vaccination, including reductions in illnesses, related doctors' visits and missed
work or school. Vaccination also prevents flu-related hospitalizations and deaths. While some of
the viruses spreading this season are different from what is in the vaccine, vaccination can still
provide protection and might reduce severe outcomes such as hospitalization and death.
If you have not been vaccinated yet this season, get your flu vaccine now.
CDC recommends a three-pronged approach to fighting flu: get vaccinated, take everyday
preventive actions to help stop the spread of germs and take antiviral medications to treat flu
illness if your doctor prescribes them.
The Flu:
What To Do If You Get Sick
How do I know if I have the flu?
You may have the flu if you have some or all of these symptoms:
 Fever
*It's important to note
that not everyone with flu will
have a fever.*
 cough
 sore throat
 runny or stuffy nose





body aches
headache
chills
fatigue
sometimes diarrhea and
vomiting
What should I do if I get sick?
Most people with the flu have mild illness and do not need medical care
or antiviral drugs. If you get sick with flu symptoms, in most cases, you
should stay home and avoid contact with other people except to get
medical care.
If you have symptoms of flu and are in a high risk group (including
young children, people 65 and older, pregnant women and people with
certain medical conditions), or are very sick or worried about your
illness, contact your health care provider.
Do I need to go the emergency room or clinic if I
am only a little sick?
No. The emergency room should be used for people who are very sick.
What are the emergency warning signs of flu
sickness?
In Children
In Adults
 Fast breathing or trouble
 Difficulty breathing or shortness
 Bluish skin color
 Not drinking enough fluids
 Not waking up or not interacting
 Being so irritable that the child
 Pain or pressure in the chest or
breathing


does not want to be held
Flu-like symptoms improve but
then return with fever and worse
cough
Fever with a rash
of breath
abdomen
 Sudden dizziness
 Confusion
 Severe or persistent vomiting
 Flu-like symptoms that improve
but then return with fever and
worse cough
What should I do while I’m sick?
Stay home. Stay away from others as much as possible to keep from
infecting them. If you must leave home, for example to get medical care,
wear a facemask if you have one, or cover coughs and sneezes with a
tissue. Wash your hands often to keep from spreading flu to others.
More information located at www.cdc.gov
OR Siletz Community Health Clinic at 1-800-648-0449 or 541-444-1030
You should not go to the emergency room or clinic or be in public even
if you are only mildly ill.
If you get sick with flu symptoms and are at high risk of flu complications
or you are concerned about your illness, call your health care facility or
provider for advice before going out into public. If you go to the
emergency room or local clinic and you are not sick with the flu, you
may catch it from people who do have it.
How long should I stay home if I’m sick?
CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your
fever is gone except to get medical care or other necessities. Your fever
should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine, such as
Tylenol®. You should stay home from work, school, travel, shopping,
social events, and public gatherings. Some employers require notes
from providers to verify illnesses. Please call your providers or nurse
before venturing out into public.
January 2015
•
Siletz฀News฀
•
7