Despite the absence of immunity to novel H1N1, the virus produces a mild disease with most cases recovering without treatment. However, infection control measures are immediately necessary to avoid spread among the family and beyond (Read more information on this site)

If you have flu- like symptoms, you are likely to have H1N1. Note that the disease is in mild form. Our advice remains the same: If you are sick with flu- like symptoms, stay at home and follow the recommendations listed below.

The Ministry Of Public Health in Kenya now recommend that only persons considered at risk of developing severe influenza illness should be tested for influenza; all other persons sick with flu- like symptoms are being treated with symptomatic medication.

The persons considered at risk of developing severe illness, as well as those showing severe respiratory symptoms, require a specific medical attention including antiviral treatment (Tamiflu) started immediately after onset of symptoms. Therefore, only persons having the preconditions listed below need to contact JMS through the doctor hotline (0728 602 524) if ill with flu symptoms and fever:

•  Pregnant women

•  Persons with serious underlying disease:

•  Chronic pulmonary disease (including asthma), cardiovascular (except hypertension), renal disease, hepatic, haematological (including sickle cell disease), neurologic, neuromuscular, or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus), severe obesity:

•  Immuno- suppression, including that caused by medications,cancer or by HIV

•  Person under 18 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy

•  Young children under five years of age

Persons with one of the following sign of severity/disease progression will also required immediate medical attention and should go to hospital or their own doctor. Alternatively call UN flu hotline (0728 602 524):

•  Shortness of breath, either during physical activity or while resting; difficulty in breathing; turning blue; bloody or colored sputum; chest pain; altered mental status; high fever that persists beyond 3 days; low blood pressure(dizziness).

•  In children, danger signs include fast or difficult breathing; lack of alertness; difficulty in waking up; and little or no desire to play.

 Patients with none of the above will recover in a few days on symptomatic treatment (Paracetamol for fever) and bed rest. Detailed advice on home care is available on this site. Any staff or dependent with fever should not come to work or go to school until at least 24 hours after fever subsides without antipyretic (Paracetamol). Persons in close contact with flu patients do not require to be quarantined unless they develop fever.

 In order to minimize the risk of infection and to limit the spread of the virus, you are still advised the following:

•  Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue if you cough or sneeze, and then throw the tissue in the trash.

•  Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing, or/and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (available in supermarkets).

•  Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth to prevent spreading germs.

•  Keep some distance (1 meter) with people coughing or sneezing. Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

 The Influenza Hotline (762 12 12) is also activated during working hours for staff members to call in for more information or advice.

• Stay at home. You need to stay at home for at least 10 days.
• Check your temperature regularly.
• You may visit your doctor.
• Call the Flu Reporting Line on 0728 602 524 to report that you are sick. Also let the Flu Focal Point in your Agency know that you are sick.

Antiviral use and the risk of drug resistance

General Information on Antiviral Drugs1

Q&A on AntiViral Drugs- Tamiflu

What To Do If You Get Sick

Patient Care List

Advice on use of masks

Download Homecare Guidelines (pdf)