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+ American Red Cross Monitor Pandemic Flu Symptoms Keep a care log. Write down the date, time, fever, symptoms, medicines given and dosage. Make a new entry at least every 4 hours or when the symptoms change. Call your healthcare professional again if your loved one has: > A high fever · Children and Adults: Greater than 1050F (40.50C) · Babies 3- to 24-months-old: 1030F (39.4 OC) or higher. · Babies up to 3 months: Rectal temperature of 100.4 of (380C) or higher. > Shaking chills > Coughing that produces thick mucus > Dehydration (feeling of dry mouth or excess ive th i rst) > Worsening of an existing serious medical condition (for example: heart or lung disease, diabetes, HIV, cancer) If you cannot reach your health-care professional, call 9-1-1 or local emergency number for any of the signs below: > Irritability and/or confusion > Difficult breathing or chest pain with each breath > Bluish skin > Stiff neck > Inability to move an arm or leg > First-time seizure Prevent Dehydration Dehydration occurs when the body loses too much water and it's not replaced quickly enough. It can be serious. Begin giving soothing drinks at the first signs of the flu and follow these tips: > In addition to plenty of liquids, give ice and light, easily digested foods, such as soup and broth. > If your loved one has diarrhea or vomiting, give fluids that contain electrolytes. These are available at your pharmacy or grocery store. Or you can make your own rehydration electrolyte drink for someone over the age of 12. Electrolyte Drink: 1 quart water ~ tsp. baking soda ~ tsp. table salt 3 to 4 tbsp. sugar ~ tsp. salt substitute Mix well and flavor with lemon juice or sugar-free Kool-AW > If drinking liquids makes nausea worse, give one sip at a time until your loved one can drink again. Reduce Fever To help reduce a fever, do the following: > Give plenty of fluids. > Give fever-reducing medication, such as acetaminophen, aspirin or ibuprofen, as directed on the container's label. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20. > Keep a record of your loved one's temperature in your care log. > To relieve discomfort, give a sponge bath with lukewarm water. After you have called your doctor or emergency number for a fever, continue to follow the home treatment recommen- dations above. If there is a delay in getting help, ask a health-care professional if you should start an additional dose of an alternate fever- reducing medication (acetaminophen, ibuprophen or aspirin) between the doses described on the label. Always continue to give plenty of fluids. Horne Care for Pandemic Flu Prepare for a Flu Pandemic Make a plan now for a flu pandemic. Figure out what you will do if members of your household have to stay home from work or school or stay separated from others for a period of time. Keep extra supplies of food, water, medications and your disaster supply kit on hand. Pandemic Flu Caregiving Supplies: > Thermometer > Soap > Box of disposable gloves > Acetaminophen > Ibuprophen > Bleach > Alcohol-based hand sanitizer > Paper towels > Tissues > Surgical masks (one for each person) > Sugar, baking soda, salt, salt substitute For more Information, contact your local American Red Cross chapter, visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. Many of the recommendations in this brochure are from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care or current public health advice. Seek advice from your health-care provider, the CDC and your local health department. Visit www.pandemicflu.gov. As with all medications and treatments, there are side effects and potential complications. Seek professional advice from your health-care professional to make sure any medication or vaccination is appropriate to your health. @ 2006 by the American National Red Cross