Treating Flu Symptoms

Americans miss 70 million days of work as a result of the flu each year. Although this results in a cost of $3 to $12 billion in a year, it is not recommended that you go to work when you have the flu. In fact, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) both caution that anyone who is experiencing flu like symptoms should stay home as a preventive measure to curtail the spread of influenza.

Preventive measures are necessary to avoid both catching and spreading the flu to others. Because a person is contagious 24 hours before showing any flu symptoms, you may be exposed to the flu at any time. Your symptoms will not start for another 1 to 4 days. Even after symptoms arrive, you can continue to spread the virus for another 3 to 7 days.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue whenever you sneeze or cough and dispose of the tissue in the trash. Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs are often spread this way.

Wash your hands often. Carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer with you for times when you are not near soap and water.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

If you get the flu, stay home from work, school, and social gatherings. In this way you will help prevent others from catching your illness.

Unlike a cold that tends to come on gradually, the flu has sudden onset and is characterized by: fever, body aches, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, and a dry cough or sore, dry throat. Home treatment to reduce the symptoms is usually all that is needed for the treatment of the flu. To ease discomfort:

Drink plenty of clear fluids to keep your body hydrated. Fruit juices and water will quench your thirst. Hot tea will soothe your throat.
Get plenty of rest. If you are home with the flu, this not the time to get caught up on work around the house. Nap, watch a favorite movie, or read, if you feel up to it.
Use a humidifier. It will help with breathing and may ease your cough.
Over the counter medications are often very helpful. A cough suppressant may give you enough relief to get some sleep. Analgesics will reduce fever and ease the aches and pains associated with the flu. (Do not give products containing aspirin to children or teenagers.)

When should I see a doctor? Unless you are in a high risk group (elderly, chronic illness, pregnant women, and infant) it is not necessary to see the doctor for a mild case of the flu. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should call your doctor as it may indicate a more serious condition like pneumonia.

* Difficulty breathing
* Persistent fever
*Vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
*Painful swallowing
*Persistent coughing for more than a few days.
*Persistent congestion and headaches
* A sudden worsening of symptoms after showing improved health.

Although they are not 100% effective, a yearly flu shot or nasal mist can provide protection from the flu and are recommended for high risk groups.