The surest way to a quick recovery

The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea.

If you are experiencing mild flu symptoms, there is no need to panic. If you do not have other health problems, resting and drinking plenty of liquids such as water and juice will help you recover quickly. By following these steps, you should be back on your feet in no time.

• Stay home, and don't return to work for 7 days after your symptoms begin or until you are symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. The CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
• Get plenty of rest and drink lots of clear fluids.
• If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, seek medical care: antiviral drugs are available and fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed.

It's also important for you to avoid spreading the flu to other people:

• Avoid close contact with others, especially those most likely to get sick, including infants and young children, pregnant women, and people with serious health issues such as heart and kidney disease.
• If possible, wear a facemask to prevent spreading the flu to other people in your household.
• Cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and immediately dispose of the issue in a waste basket. Cough or sneeze into your sleeve if you don't have a tissue.
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective.

Most of the time, the flu is not serious. But severe cases can lead to pneumonia, serious lung problems, and even death. If you feel that your case is serious, please seek medical attention immediately. For more information, please read part three of Sparrow's Online Flu Kit, titled Should I See a Doctor?