Taking Care of Someone Who Has The Flu in the Home

What are the symptoms of influenza?

A person is likely to have influenza if they have a sudden onset of fever (> 101o F or
38.3oC) and two or more of the following symptoms:

• chills muscle aches weakness
• fatigue cough sore throat
• headache

What is the recommended care for someone with the flu?

• Remain at home until all symptoms have resolved (approximately 5 to 7 days).
• Take medications as needed to relieve the symptoms.
  • Medications such as acetominophen or ibuprofen can be helpful for relief of fever, headaches and bodyaches; sudafed can help relieve nasal
    congestion and cough syrup and lozengers can help decrease cough.
    Aspirin can be helpful for adults but should never be given to children and teens without first speaking with your doctor. Reye’s syndrome is a rare but serious illness that can result from administering aspirin to children and teens with influenza.
• Drinks lots of fluids including water and beverages that do not contain caffeine or alcohol.
  • Fluid intake is more important than eating solid foods but ill individuals
    can eat any food that they can tolerate without feeling nauseated. Chicken soup is a good staple to have on hand.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Do not smoke.

When should someone with the flu seek medical attention?

A person who is ill with the flu should be seen by a health care provider if they
experience:

• fever for more than 3-5 days
• difficulty breathing or chest pain
• confusion, seizures, excessive drowsiness
• changes in skin color especially around the mouth and hands
• persistent vomiting and/or diarrhea over 24 to 48 hours.

What can I do to prevent the spread of influenza?

• Wash your hands frequently and do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth after
  coming in contact with environmental surfaces and after having contact with
  someone who is ill with the flu.
  • Use warm soap and water and scrub for 10-15 seconds making sure that you wash between your fingers and the front and back parts of the hand.
• Ill individuals should cover their mouths and noses with tissue when coughing or sneezing, dispose of used tissues after use and wash their hands after using
  tissues.
• Do not share eating utensils, glasses or cups.
• Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth after being in contact with a sick
  individual or environmental surfaces.
• Wash your hands or use a waterless hand sanitizer after shaking hands with
  others.
• Wipe surfaces such as keyboards, counters, doorknobs, telephones off with a
  cleaning solution (an inexpensive solution of household bleach in a 1:10 ratio
  with water is effective) after being used by someone with flu symptoms.

What supplies should I have in my home in order to take care of someone in my household who becomes ill?

A one to two week supply of:

• fluids (water, juice, soup, electrolyte drinks like Gatorade or Pedialyte)
• crackers, protein or fruit bars
• Jello
• individually packaged puddings, fruit
• Medications for symptom relief: acetaminophen or ibuprofen, sudafed, cough syrup, lozengers

Other supplies:

• thermometer
• tissues, toilet paper
• soap
• household bleach or other anti-viral disinfectant
• garbage bags