INFLUENZA (FLU)
PROBLEM
Influenza (flu) is an acute, self-limiting, febrile illness of the respiratory tract. You are contagious for 24 to 48 hours before feeling symptoms, and you are contagious up to 7 days after symptoms begin. Coughing and sneezing spread the flu.
CAUSE
There are many flu viruses. Stress, excessive fatigue, poor nutrition, recent illness, crowded places, and immunosuppression from drugs or illness lower your resistance to these viruses.
PREVENTION
A.Although the flu vaccine neither prevents nor causes the flu, the flu vaccine is recommended every year.
B.Avoid unnecessary contact with sick persons, including in crowded areas.
C.To keep the flu from spreading:
1.Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
2.Use tissues when you blow your nose. Dispose of them and then wash your hands.
3.If no tissue is available, do the elbow sneeze
into the bend of your arm/shirt sleeve (away from your open hands).
4.Do not share drinking glasses.
5.Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
TREATMENT PLAN
A.Rest.
B.Drink lots of fluids.
C.Run cool-mist vaporizer.
D.Take tepid sponge baths in warm water to prevent chilling and shivers.
E.Gargle with warm salt water for a sore throat.
F.Use warm compresses or heating pad on low for aching muscles.
Activity: Stay in bed for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone.
Diet: You may not be hungry, but you do not need to be on a special diet for the flu. Drink plenty of liquids (at least 10 glasses a day).
Medications:
A.Antibiotics do not help the flu since it is a virus.
B.Special medications shorten the flu. They must be started within 2 days of contracting the flu.
You Have Been Prescribed to shorten your flu symptoms: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Take: ___________________________________________________________
You Have Been Prescribed for Your Fever: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Take: ___________________________________________________________
You Have Been Prescribed for Your Respiratory Symptoms: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Take: ___________________________________________________________
You Have Been Prescribed a Cough Suppressant: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Take: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Notify the Office If You Have:
A.Thick, green nasal drainage.
B.Ear pain.
C.Increase in fever or cough.
D.Shortness of breath or chest pain.
E.Blood when you cough.
F.Neck pain or stiffness.
G.New or unexplained symptoms.
H.No need to urinate (longer than 8 hours while awake without the need to urinate).
I.Diabetes and your blood sugars are elevated, or you notice ketones in your urine while you are sick.
J.Other: ___________________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________________
PATIENT TEACHING GUIDE