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At-Home Care for Influenza
At-Home Care for InfluenzaInfluenza—or the flu—is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can make you feel awful. It’s caused by avirus and is spread like the common cold.“The two most common ways that the flu is spread is by air droplets and by contact. So, for example, ifsomebody was to cough and cover their mouth and then they touch a doorknob, and then you comethrough the room and touch the same doorknob, and then touch your face, you’ve now been exposedto the flu. If when they’re coughing, they don’t cover their mouth and you’re in the same room, and youbreathe in those droplets you’ve now been exposed to the flu. So, you can catch the flu that way.”But flu symptoms are typically more severe than those from a cold and come on suddenly. They include afever, chills, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, body aches, and fatigue. Getting vaccinated every year is yourbest defense against the flu. But if you do catch it, there are medications that may help.“Prescription antiviral drugs can reduce your symptoms and shorten the illness, but you have to starttaking them within two days of your first symptoms. Antibiotics won’t work against the flu, because it’s avirus and they only kill bacteria.”Over-the-counter pain relievers like Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen can reduce achiness and fever. And garglingwith a mixture of warm water and salt or sucking on a lozenge may help relieve a sore throat. Drink lots offluids to avoid dehydration and get plenty of rest to help your body fight off the infection.Avoid spreading your germs by washing your hands frequently with soap and water. Cover your nose andmouth when you sneeze or cough – ideally into a tissue or your upper shirt sleeve rather than your hands.“The flu usually resolves on its own within a week or two.”But some people—including young children, adults over 65, and those with certain medical conditions—are atrisk for more serious complications like pneumonia or bronchitis. See your health care provider right away ifyou have more serious symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, severe headache or neck pain,dizziness or confusion.“You’re the most contagious with the flu for the five to seven days after you first start having symptomsof the flu. And the best way not to spread the infection is by staying home until you feel better, takingcare of your symptoms at home.”This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.PRG54183A EN AtHomeCareForInfluenza.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 1 of 1
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