Mexico is finally starting to heal, and here in the States, we've prepared our most-predicted-to-be-infected regions with additional medical supplies. Experts say that this strand of the swine flu could linger for the next two years, but thankfully (knock on wood) the worst is behind us.
This isn't to say we shouldn't remain aware of the signs. Distribute these emergency warning signs and urge teachers and parents to keep them somewhere in sight for awhile.
Emergency Warning Signs
In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- 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
- Fever with a rash
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
For more answers visit The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Web site.
