Twelve-month-old Joey Maddus was hospitalized with a soaring fever after both his parents came down with H1N1 swine flu.
"The doctor said, 'Rotate Tylenol and Motrin.' We were doing that every three hours rotating, still 102, 103. And then he just stopped eating and drinking," said Kay Aaby, Health Department Nurse Manager.
Joey pulled through. But, 27-year old police officer Ryan Johnson died.
"I just want people to know that this is happening without any underlying symptoms," said Aaby.
Flu season has barely started, but the swine flu cases are already here.
Aaby says people need to create a swine flu survival kit now. It should include fluids with electrolytes like Gatorade and Powerade, fever reducers with ibuprofen or acetaminophen as well as cough and cold medication.
"Many of us have these items already in our homes, whether it's in a closet or under lock and key. But over the years, like last year you might have used them, they might have an expiration date on them. Or you might not have certain items that you thought you had," she said.
She says the kit should also have items to prevent spreading the flu virus -- things like hand sanitizer, possibly even face masks, specifically the N95 mask, which health care workers will be wearing.
"Many times we are in different places. We don't have water and soap available, so hand sanitizer is very important -- at least 60 percent alcohol based. Purell is one of the examples of hand sanitizers," she said.
As with all emergency kits, stock plenty of water and about two weeks worth of non-perishable foods.
"It's really important to start planning ahead and to have these items in your house as a stockpile. There may be shortages of certain supplies, so it's important to start stockpiling some of these items," said Aaby.
Those who come down with the swine flu should be considered contagious one-day before symptoms develop and up to seven days after the onset.
Masks offer more protection if you're the sick person, trying to prevent spreading your germs.
