Influenza

Treatment of the Flu:

There is no cure for the flu. The main treatment for the flu is rest and staying well hydrated. Antibiotics have no effect on the flu and may be harmful. Patients at special risk may be prescribed anti-viral treatment, but these are of very limited benefit in most patients.

What to do if you or a family member becomes sick:

• Get plenty of rest and keep warm.
• Drink plenty of clear liquids - at least 8 glasses of water each day. A clear liquid is one you can see through (water, weak tea, broth or bouillon, ginger ale, Jello, Kool-Aid, Gatorade, apple juice, popsicles). Eating solids is not as important as drinking plenty of liquids. Do not drink caffeinated drinks, these will worsen dehydration.
• Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for your fever, headache and body pains. Aspirin is not recommended and absolutely should not be given to children or teenagers with the flu.
• Avoid use of alcohol and tobacco.
• For a cough, you may use a cough syrup such as Robutissin or Delsym. For a stuffy nose use a decongestant and a saline nasal spray.
• For a sore throat, use throat lozenges, sprays or gargle with salt water.
• Ill persons should, if possible, stay home from work, school, and other social areas.
• If you are special risk (>65 years old, children ages 6-23 months, pregnant, or have chronic medical conditions), contact your primary care doctor for advice. Pregnant women should contact their Obstetrician also.

See your own doctor right away or go to the Emergency Department if any problems develop, including the following:

• Shortness of breath, noisy or labored breathing.
• Severe headache, neck pain or neck stiffness.
• Confusion, drowsiness or loss of memory.
• Difficulty swallowing or inability to drink fluids.
• New or worsening pain in your chest or abdomen (belly).
• Coughing up blood or large amounts of sputum (phlegm).
• Dizziness or fainting.
• Symptoms improve and then worsen again.