MEDICAL INFORMATION 2- Influenza

Flu symptoms include:

* A 100 Fahrenheit or higher fever or feeling feverish (not everyone with the flu has a fever)

* A cough and/or sore throat

* A runny or stuffy nose

* Headaches and/or body aches

* Chills

* Fatigue

* Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea (most common in children)

When should I seek emergency medical attention?

Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following:

* Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

* Purple or blue discoloration of the lips

* Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

* Sudden dizziness

* Confusion

* Severe or persistent vomiting

* Seizures

* Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough

How to treat the flu or its symptoms without medication?

 You can treat flu symptoms without medication by:

* Getting plenty of rest

* Drinking clear fluids like water, broth, sports drinks, or electrolyte beverages to prevent becoming dehydrated

* Placing a cool, damp washcloth on your forehead, arms, and legs to reduce discomfort associated with a fever

* Putting a humidifier in your room to make breathing easier

* Gargling salt water (1:1 ratio warm water to salt) to soothe a sore throat

* Covering up with a warm blanket to calm chills.

Take these additional steps to protect yourself and people in your home from getting the flu.

* You and all healthy people in the house should clean their hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub frequently, including after every contact with the sick person, the sick person’s room or bathroom, or items used or touched by the sick person.

* Remind the sick person to cover coughs and clean his or her hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub often, especially after coughing or sneezing.

* Avoid being face-to-face with the sick .

* Maintain good ventilation in shared household areas (keep windows open in restrooms, kitchen, bathroom, etc.).

* Follow proper cleaning and disposal procedures:

* Throw the sick person’s tissues and other used disposable items in the trash.

* Keep surfaces clean (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, doorknobs, phones, and children’s toys) by wiping them down with an approved household disinfectant.

* Clean linens, eating utensils, and dishes used by the sick person thoroughly before reusing.

* Wash linens (such as bed sheets and towels) with laundry soap and tumble dry on a hot setting.