Self Care Guidelines

Influenza

Please review this information to help your symptoms.

Influenza, commonly called the flu, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus that is self limited and does not improve with antibiotics. It begins quite suddenly with multiple symptoms, especially cough and fever, and possible sore throat, runny nose, headache, muscle aches and difficulty breathing.

The severe symptoms usually last 2-3 days and expect complete resolution in about 7 days. (This is not related to a usual vomiting and diarrhea illness.)

Reasons to seek health care immediately (EMERGENCY DEPT or UHC Urgent Care hours)

  1. Chest pain at anytime
  2. Difficulty breathing not caused by nasal congestion
  3. Neck pain and stiffness with forward flexion

Reasons to seek health care within 24 hours(make an appointment at UHC)

  1. Illness that significantly worsens in the second 24 hours
  2. Fever lasting more than 3 days (Over 100 degrees)
  3. Suspect dehydration; lack of intake or vomiting: dark infrequent urine, dry mouth & eyes
  4. Chronic conditions that place you at risk for complications of mild illness

If none of the above, read self care information below for your symptoms:

To help prevent illness in others:

  • STAY AT HOME OR IN YOUR DORM. DO NOT ATTEND CLASS OR DINING FACILITIES.
  • Do not go out until your fever has been gone for 24 hours without medication (staying under 100 degrees).
  • Cover your nose and mouth with coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow.
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
  • If you must go out, a mask covering your nose and mouth may help others.

Nasal Congestion

  • Decongestants [DO NOT use if you have high blood pressure]
  • Oral pseudoephedrine products (behind the counter) Sudafed®
  • phenylephrine products (over the counter) Sudafed PE®
  • Nasal oxymetazole 12 hour nose spray [Do not use for more than 3 days] Afrin®
  • Soothing nasal sprays (saline) as directed on label

For fever, headaches, and body aches

  • Acetaminophen 650 to 1000 mg every 4 to 5 hours as needed - Tylenol®
  • Ibuprofen 400 to 600 (2 to 3 tablets) every 6 hours as needed - Advil®/Motrin®

For Cough

  • To help loosen mucus: guiafenesin syrup or tablets (follow dosing on label) Robitussin®
  • To suppress the cough: dextromethorphan syrup or tablets (follow dosing on label) DM®

For sore throat

  • Gargle with warm water frequently
  • Lozenges, strips, sprays as directed on the label

Self Care Guidelines