H1N1 Flu Symptoms

What are the symptoms of H1N1?
When should I seek medical care?
What should I do if I get sick?
What if my child is sick?
Resources

What are the symptoms of H1N1?

H1N1 flu feels very much like the regular seasonal flu. Symptoms include: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.

Use this Flu Assessment Tool to help you learn whether you or your child have symptoms of the flu. It will also help you decide what to do next.

When should I seek medical care?

Most cases of H1N1 flu tend to be mild. However, if you do not start to feel better after a few days or if your symptoms get worse, you should either call your health care provider or Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000.

You should call your health care provider immediately if you experience flu symptoms and you :

are pregnant;
have heart or lung disease;
have any other chronic health problem that requires regular medical attention;
live in a remote or isolated community;
are elderly or frail; or
have an illness or are receiving treatments – for example, for diabetes, cancer, or HIV/AIDS – that might affect your immune system.

What should I do if I get sick?

If you or someone in your home has the flu, there are some things you can do to make yourself feel better and avoid spreading the virus to others. Stay home and get plenty of rest. Clean your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, particularly after coughing or blowing your nose.

To ease the symptoms of flu :

drink lots of fluids;
avoid drinks with caffeine;
take basic pain or fever relievers;
do not give acetylsalicylic acid (ASA or Aspirin®) to children or teenagers under the age of 18;
apply heat for short periods of time using a hot water bottle or heating pad to reduce muscle pain;
take a warm bath;
gargle with a glass of warm water or suck on hard candy or lozenges;
use saline drops or spray for a stuffy nose; and
avoid alcohol and tobacco.

What if my child is sick?

If your child is suffering from the flu, you should seek medical care immediately if his or her symptoms improve and then suddenly become worse. In addition, seek care if you notice any of the following signs :

fast or difficult breathing;
bluish or dark-coloured lips or skin;
drowsiness to the point where he or she cannot be easily wakened;
severe crankiness or not wanting to be held; or
dehydration – not drinking enough fluids and not going to the bathroom regularly.

Resources

For More Information

For information about seasonal flu, H1N1 and pandemic preparedness

Call the ServiceOntario INFOline at 1-800-476-9708 (Toll-free in Ontario)
TTY 1-800-387-5559
TTY (Toronto) 416-327-4282
Hours of operation : 8:30am - 5:00pm

To speak with a registered nurse

Visit Telehealth Ontario or call 1-866-797-0000
TTY: 1-866-797-0007
Hours of operation : 24 hours, 7 days a week

To find health care options in your community

Visit ontario.ca/healthcareoptions or call 1-866-330-6206.

To find a health care provider

If you don’t have a health care provider, you can register for the Health Care Connect program. Visit ontario.ca/healthcareconnect or call 1-800-445-1822.