|
Search Conditions A - Z
Search Categories
Medication Administration
français
|
Influenza (Flu)
The flu is a sickness caused by a virus. People
usually get it in winter. It is very easily spread from one person to
another. Usually a lot of people get it at the same time (epidemic). The
flu is very much like a cold but you usually feel a lot sicker.
| Symptoms |
Cold |
Influenza (FLU) |
| Fever |
Rare |
Yes. Usually 38 to 40C. Comes on
suddenly, last 3 to 4 days |
| Headache |
Rare |
Yes |
| Tiredness |
Slight |
Yes. Very tired |
| Exhaustion |
Never |
Occurs early and lasts |
| Runny, stuffy nose |
Yes, common |
sometimes |
| Sneezing |
Usually |
Sometimes |
| Sore throat |
Yes, common |
sometimes |
| Chest hurts cough |
Mild to medium. Hacking cough |
Yes. Can be quite bad. |
| Related problems |
Sinus congestion, earache |
Bronchitis, pneumonia. Can be life
Threatening in infants and older adults
|
Home Treatment:
-
Eat healthy food, get lots of rest, and exercise regularly. This
helps your body fight the germs (virus)
-
Wash your hands often. Keep your hands away from your eyes, mouth
and nose. This helps you stay away from the virus.
-
Cover your mouth when you cough, then wash their hands. Remember to
use Kleenex when you sneeze or have a runny nose.
- Get lots of rest.
-
Drink lots of fluids, at least 1 glasses of water or juices
every hour that you are awake.
-
Take acetaminophen, aspirin or ibuprofen to help with your fever,
headache, and muscle aches. Take the medicines as directed on the
package, or ask the pharmacist for help. Never take medicines you are
allergic to. If you are taking any other kind of medicines, you should
check with your doctor or the pharmacist before taking any other
medicine.
Return to the Emergency Department or see your family doctor very soon IF:
-
Fever 40C (104F) that does not go down after taking fever medicine.
Recheck temperature approx. 90 minutes after taking medicine.
- Fever over 38.3C (101F) with shaking, chills and coughing up stuff
- Fast breathing or a hard time to breathe
- Fever that lasts longer than you feel it should
-
Sputum (spit that is coughed up from your lungs) that is yellow,
green (if you are not a smoker) rust-colored or bloody and other
symptoms (fever, cough, tiredness) that are getting worse. Sputum
from your lungs is more serious than the stuff that has dripped
down the back of your throat from your nose.
- Cough that lasts more than 7 to 10 days.
- You have pain in your face, fever or other signs of sinusitis. (See info sheet)
- You get better, then worse again.
|
