Public Information
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PERSONS WITH INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS

*	The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people with 
	flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills 
	and fatigue should stay at home for at least 24 hours after they are free of fever 
	(100 degrees F [37.8 degrees C]), or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing 
	medications. 

*	This recommendation applies to camps, schools, businesses, mass gatherings, and 
	other community settings where the majority of people are not at increased risk for 
	influenza complications. This recommendation does not apply to health care settings 
	where the exclusion period is 7 days from symptom onset, or until symptoms are 
	resolved.   

*	Most ill people recover after a few days of rest and do not necessarily have to go to 
	the doctor’s office. They should call the doctor to receive care instructions.  

*	If people with flu-like illness must go into the community, they should wear a 
	facemask to reduce the risk of spreading the virus when coughing, sneezing, talking 
	or breathing. If a facemask is unavailable, use a handkerchief or tissues to cover any 
	coughing and dispose the tissue properly after use.

*	People with flu-like illness and all persons living with them should wash hands 
	frequently with soap and water. Use alcohol-based hand gels (containing at least 
	60% alcohol) when soap and water are not available and hands are not visibly dirty. 
	Ill persons should wear a facemask, if possible, when within 6 feet of others at home.

*	Household members who are well should remain home at the earliest sign of illness 
	and minimize contact in the community to the extent possible.

*	Designate a single household member as the caregiver to minimize interactions with 
	persons who are not ill.



24/7 Emergency Contact Number: 1-888-295-5156
Revised: 09/2009 Doc. No. 35-05-20/09/09/21