Treating the Flu

Treating a flu-like illness

 

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines flu-like illness this way:

 

• A fever of 100.4 F (38.0 C) or greater, plus a cough or sore throat.

 

• Possibly other symptoms like runny nose, body aches, headaches, chills, fatigue, vomiting or diarrhea. 

 

• Fever is a key to distinguish the flu from other illnesses, such as the common cold.

 

 

Treatment for the flu:

 

• If your symptoms are mild, you may not need to see a health care provider. If you feel that you should talk with someone, consult with your personal health care provider.

 

• Stay away from work, school or crowds. If you or any of your co-workers become sick with a flu-like illness, the best thing to do is to call in sick as you normally would and use sick time or paid time off to stay home until you get better.

 

• Rest and take plenty of fluids.

 

• Cover your mouth and nose with disposable tissues when coughing and sneezing, and dispose of the used tissues properly.

 

• Wash your hands with soap and water often and thoroughly, especially after coughing or sneezing.

 

• Inform family and friends about your illness and try to avoid contact with people.

 

• Avoid travel.

 

• Treatment of ill individuals with the prescription drug Tamiflu is recommended only if there is an underlying health condition (severe asthma, diabetes, HIV disease, immune deficiency) or the individual is considered high risk (pregnant, over age 65).

 

 

At what point should I seek medical attention?

 

If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care. If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, the CDC recommends that you seek emergency medical care immediately.

 

• Warning signs for children: Fast breathing or troubled breathing; bluish or gray skin color; not drinking enough fluids; severe or persistent vomiting;  not waking up or not interacting; being so irritable that the child does not want to be held; flu-like symptoms improve, but then return with fever and worse cough.

 

• Warning signs for adults: Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath; pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen; sudden dizziness; confusion; severe or persistent vomiting; flu-like symptoms improve, but then return with fever and worse cough.