The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and Texas State Department of Health Services (SDHS) Friday, August 7, 2009 provide the following guidelines to determine when one can return to work or school after exposure to an individual exhibiting flu-like symptoms (whether H1N1 or not):

1) Individuals who have had the flu and have received treatment (whether confirmed, probable, or suspected H1N1 or not:

a. Adult and Children

i. If the individual has received treatment, they may return 24 hours after fever symptoms have ended (without medication for 24 hours).

2) Individuals who have been in close contact with a person who has had the flu (confirmed, probable, or suspected H1N1 or is suspected of having the flu)

a. Adult

i. If the individual who has had close contact with an individual exhibiting flu like symptoms and has received prophylactics and do not have flu-like symptoms, the adult may return to work/school immediately.

ii. This individual must monitor their symptoms; and if they become ill, they must return home immediately.

b. Child

i. If the child has had close contact with an individual exhibiting flu like symptoms and has received prophylactics, the child should stay home for five days from the day the illness develops and as long as no fever is present.

3) Individuals who have traveled where H1N1 cases are confirmed

a. Adult/Children

i. If an individual is healthy, they can return to school/work immediately.

ii. This individual must monitor their symptoms and if they have any fever, they must go home immediately.

4) Individuals who are ill but did not receive therapy

a. Adult/Children

i. Not all individuals will seek medical attention. This individual should stay away from school/work for 5 days from the onset of symptoms and should be fever free (without medication for 24 hours).