The FLU
(Influenza)

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS include: sore throat, headache, fever, cough, and severe aching.

Is the patient under 3 months old?
Have there been symptoms for more than 7 days without improvement?
Are you coughing up stuff from your chest?

• If yes to any of the above, the patient should be examined by a physician promptly.
• If no, then follow the instructions below.

ACTIVITIES:  Decrease physical activities until feeling better.  You should get lots of rest.

MEDICATIONS:  Any over-the-counter medicines for flu symptoms are okay to take unless you suffer from uncontrolled high blood pressure. Tylenol and Motrin will help the aches and pains. Sore throat lozenges and sprays will ease pain in the throat. (During community outbreaks of certain types of flu, there are prescription medications available that may be helpful if started within 48 hours of onset of signs and symptoms.)

DIET:  You should drink plenty of water and juices.  You may eat anything you desire as long as you are not nauseated.

CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR FOR ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

1. The temperature is over 103 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. You see no improvement after a few days.
3. You have trouble breathing.
4. You develop a productive cough.
5. You start having severe pain.

INFECTION CONTROL MEASURES:

1. Stay at home if you are sick. Your colleagues would prefer to do your work rather than have your flu.
2. Wash hands or use alcohol hand solutions after being in public or after contact with anyone with a cold or flu.
3. Turn head and cough or sneeze into a disposable tissue and promptly dispose of the used tissue; or cough into the inside of the elbow if a tissue is not available.
4. Don't expose young children or immunosuppressed patients unnecessarily to large crowds during community flu outbreaks.
5. Avoid close contact (kissing, holding) with anyone that has flu.
6. Do not share anything that goes into the mouth such as drinking cups, straws, cigarettes, etc.
7. Frequently clean commonly touched surfaces (door knob, refrigerator handle, phone, water faucets, etc.) if someone in the house has the flu.
8. Do not smoke around children.

If there is also COUGH, then see elsewhere.

If there is also FEVER, then see elsewhere.

If there is also VOMITING, then see elsewhere.

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This page was last updated on 19 December 2003.