Chronic Disease and Pandemic H1N1 Influenza Chronic diseases can: Weaken your immune system Make it harder to fight off infections like H1N1 Increase the possibility of complications from infections

What To Do To Avoid the Flu Avoid close contact with sick people Stay home when you are sick Cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze Wash hands often (sing “Happy Birthday” twice) Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth

What To Do To Avoid the Flu Get vaccinated Get plenty of sleep Be physically active Manage your stress Don’t smoke Eat nutritious food Drink plenty of fluids

If You Have Asthma Care for yourself Own and use an asthma action plan Note peak flow numbers Take medicines Reduce exposure to triggers Open airways Live healthy

If You Have Cancer Infections of any kind are a special concern during cancer treatment Talk to your doctor about your risk of infection with pandemic H1N1 influenza virus Follow advice of your doctor

If You Have Diabetes Continue to take your medication Test blood glucose every four hours Drink extra calorie-free liquids Weigh yourself daily Check your temperature twice a day

If You Have Diabetes Call your doctor if: You feel too sick to eat for more than six hours You have severe diarrhea You lose five pounds or more Your temperature is over 101°F Your blood glucose is under 60 or over 300 mg/dL Your urine has moderate or large amounts of ketones You have difficulty breathing You feel sleepy or can’t think clearly

If You Have Heart Disease Continue to take all your medication Be alert to changes in your breathing Call your doctor for any significant changes

If You Have Kidney Disease Talk with your dialysis center about their pandemic influenza plans Ask them what to do if you are ill Review your diet plan for sick days with your dietitian Plan for homebound situations or getting less dialysis than normal