If you think you have the flu: * Stay home until you feel better. Don’t return to work or school until you have been well for at least 24 hours. If you are running a fever, wait until at least 24 hours after your temperature has returned to normal. * Avoid going to the hospital if you have mild flu-like symptoms such as fever and cough – even if you think you could have H1N1 flu. People with flu usually recover without medical treatment, but other illnesses can cause a fever, so call your doctor if you are in doubt. You should rest, drink plenty of liquids and take the same over-the-counter medicines that you would normally use to treat flu. * Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose. Clean your hands afterwards, using soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Go immediately to a hospital emergency room if you have severe or worsening illness. If you go to the emergency room, travel by private car or taxi, not by bus or subway. In adults, the signs of severe or worsening illness include: * Rapid breathing, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath * Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen * Bluish skin color * Dizziness or confusion * Increasing fever * Severe or persistent vomiting In children, the signs of severe or worsening illness include: * Increased fever * Rash * Rapid or difficult breathing * Bluish skin color * Irritability * Lack of responsiveness (not waking up or not interacting) * Not drinking enough fluids For more information on the H1N1 virus, including when to contact your doctor or what to do if you have an underlying condition, see: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/downloads/pdf/cd/h1n1_flu_faq.pdf