SWINE FLU: MOST AT RISK

In addition,diabetes can make the immune system more vulnerable to severe cases of the flu. People with diabetes who come down with the flu may become very sick and may even have to go to a hospital. You can help keep yourself from getting the flu by getting a flu shot every year. Everyone with diabeteseven pregnant womenshould get a yearly flu shot. The best time to get one is between October and mid-November,before the flu season begins.

HIV PATIENTS

At present there is no confirmed information about risk of the H1N1 flu in people with HIV/AIDS. In the past,people with HIV/AIDS have not appeared to be at any greater risk than the general population for infection with routine seasonal influenza. However,HIV-infected adults and adolescents,and especially persons with low CD4 cell counts or AIDS,can experience more severe complications of seasonal influenza. It is therefore possible that HIV-infected adults and adolescents are also at higher risk for complications from infection with the H1N1 flu virus.

Pregnant women

Pregnant women are more likely to get sick than others and have more serious problems with seasonal flu. These problems may include early labor or severe pneumonia. It is not confirmed yet if this virus will do the same,but it should be taken very seriously.

Guidance for People With Heart Disease,Stroke,or Cardiovascular Disease

The information below is important for people with heart disease,stroke,and cardiovascular disease.

* Maintain a two week supply of your medications.

* Do not stop taking your medications without first consulting your health care provider,especially in the event of influenza or a respiratory infection.

* People with heart failure should be alert to changes in their breathing and should promptly report changes to their health care provider.

* It is especially important to wash your hands often with soap and water and follow other basic hygiene to avoid infection.

Children under 5 yrs old: In children,emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

* Fast breathing or trouble breathing

* Bluish or gray skin color

* Not drinking enough fluids

* Severe or persistent vomiting

* 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