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Self Care for the Flu
Flu symptoms usually have a sudden onset and are more severe than those of a common cold.
Symptoms of the flu often include…
Muscle aches, including backache that can be severe
Headache with sudden onset that can be severe
Dry cough, with little or no sputum
Weakness and tiredness that can last for two or more weeks
Fever (usually 102 degrees F and can last for 3 – 4 days) and chills
Runny nose
Sore throat
What causes the flu?
The flu is contagious respiratory infection caused by a virus. The body usually recovers from the flu in seven to fourteen days. The worst symptoms are usually better within several days, but the fatigue may take longer to resolve.
Methods of Prevention
Receiving a yearly flu vaccine
Frequent hand washing
Maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough rest
Not smoking
Over-the-Counter Methods of Self Treatment
| Drug Class | Generic Name | Sample Brand Names | Action | Possible Side Effects | For more information, check out… |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pain relievers | Ibuprofen Acetaminophen |
Motrin Tylenol |
Reduces pain and fever. | Stomach upset, liver damage with overdose | www.motrin.com |
| Cough suppressant | Dextromethorphan Guaifenesin |
Robitussin-DM | Relieves cough, expectorant | www.robitussin.com | |
| Throat lozenges | Zinc Gluconate Glycine | Cold-Eeze | Reduces duration & severity of common cold | Stomach irritation | www.coldeeze.com |
Self-treatment for the flu besides medications…
Drink plenty of clear fluids such as juice, water, and white sodas (Sprite, 7-Up)
Use a cool mist humidifier to increase air moisture to thin lung secretions
Take a cool sponge bath or soak in a tepid bathtub for relief of fever
Inhale warm steam from the shower or a warm drink for a cough
Apply warm compresses or heating pad for aching muscles
Gargle with salt water (1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon salt per cup of water), suck on ice cubes, or drink hot tea with lemon and honey for a sore throat.
Don’t smoke
Get lots of rest
See your health care provider…
Soon for anti-viral drugs to treat the flu (You must be treated within the first 48 hours for greatest effectiveness.)
If you have shaking chills
Neck pain or stiffness
If you have a high fever (greater than 101 degrees F) that lasts more than 2 – 3 days
If your symptoms are not better after 7 days
If you have a severe headache
If you have blood in your sputum
If you have dark urine
If you have severe muscle pain
If you are wheezing, having difficulty breathing, or experiencing chest pain
Helpful Web Resources…
Visit the National Foundation for Infectious Disease to learn more about the flu virus, the disease, and how to protect yourself: www.nfid.org/library/influenza/
Visit a service of the National Library of Medicine – MEDLINEplus – for flu information, the latest influenza news, links, and more: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/influenza.html
Visit the Immunization Action Coalition’s website for journal articles, recommendations, state laws, photos, and resources: www.immunize.org/influenza/index.htm