Welcome back!
Because we are in the midst of flu and cold season, I thought I would provide a reminder of what to do in case you or a family member find yourself combating the influenza virus. Although most of the points are common sense, when we are feeling under the weather we don’t always remember what we are supposed to do or even feel like we have the strength to take care of ourselves. This can especially be a problem for those who live alone. Because you will probably be in bed for several days with fever and respiratory symptoms, here are several guidelines to follow.
- Take all prescribed medications. This is not the time to skip either your regular medication or your antiviral meds. Take all medications as prescribed by the doctor.
- Cover your mouth when you cough and wash your hands often. Don’t share eating utensils or drink containers with a family member.
- Call the doctor if you experience any side effects such as nausea, vomiting, rash, or unusual behavior.
- Take medications to relieve symptoms, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen, as long as you need to. Then you can stop these meds when your symptoms improve.
- Physicians suggest you do not give aspirin to children or teenagers. Check with your own physician for details.
- Do not give children younger than 4 years-old over-the-counter cold medications without first checking with your health care provider.
Seek emergency care if you experience any of the following:
- Rapid breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Bluish or gray skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Not waking up or interacting with others
- Flu-like symptoms improve, but then return with fever or worse cough
- Child is so irritable they do not want to be held.
Here are several home care recommendations for you to consider:
- Stay at home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone (without using fever-reducing medicine)
- Stay away from others as much as possible so that you don’t spread the disease
- Drink plenty of clear fluids such as water, broth, sports drinks to keep from being dehydrated
- Wash all dishes in dishwasher or with hot soapy water
- Throw away tissues and other disposable items. Wash your hands after touching used tissues and similar waste whether or own or someone else
- Have everyone in your household wash their hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing.
- Consider using alcohol-based hand cleaners. For more info visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1 or call 1-800-CDC-INFO
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth to keep the spread of germs to a minimum
Taking the time to allow yourself to heal will not only help keep influenza from spreading to others, but will help you not have a sudden recurrence. Sometimes we are surprised that the rest of the work world can get along without us for a few days. One of the golden rules is to take care of yourself first so that you can take care of others. This is a time for you to make sure you regain your health or stay healthy if you have not yet noticed any flu symptoms.
Hopefully, this influenza home care guide will help you stay healthy or regain your health quickly during this annual season. Take care!
