Coping with Flu Season

We’ve all had that awful feeling of coming down with the flu. Here’s a seasonal reminder of what to expect, and how you can ease flu symptoms if the virus turns up in your home.

Symptoms:

• fever over 102
• nausea
• chills and sweats
• fatigue and muscle aches
• dry cough
• headache, congestion
• loss of appetite

What you can do:

• Get lots of rest. Cover up with a blanket to conserve energy.
• Drink liquids. Think water, clear juices, hot soup or tea and sports drink.
• Take a steamy shower. Or if you’re dizzy, just sit in a steamy bathroom.
• Blow your nose instead of sniffing. Don’t blow too hard.
• Gargle with warm salt water.
• Put hot or cold packs on your forehead. Try a hot washcloth or bag of frozen veggies.
• Prop your head up to sleep.
• Take pain medication. Try acetaminophen, ibuprofen or naproxen. Don’t give aspirin to children or teenagers.

When to call a doctor:

• Fever lasts for more than 3 days; symptoms for more than 10
• Symptoms appear to improve but return with fever and worse cough
• Trouble breathing; bluish skin color
• Earache or drainage
• Confusion, irritability, changes in mental state
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Severe pain in face, forehead or chest
• Fainting or seizures

An ounce of prevetion:

• The flu is contagious. It can be spread from the day before symptoms appear, to between seven and 14 days after getting sick.
• wash hands frequently, especially after coughing or blowing your nose
• avoid people who are sick
• cover mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
• ask your doctor about vaccination—flu vaccine available at all AFM offices