How do I know if I have the flu?
The CDC defines flu symptoms as include fever (temperature of 100 degrees F [38 degrees C] or greater, or signs of fever such as chills, sweats, flushing, skin feeling hot) with cough and/or sore throat. In addition, you may experience headache, body aches, fatigue, nasal congestion, vomiting and diarrhea.Should I see my health care provider if I have flu symptoms?
In general, unless you are experiencing difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent vomiting, severe diarrhea or instability related to dehydration, persistent fever more than 3-4 days, or have a high-risk condition, you should stay home and use self-care measures.High risk conditions include:
- lung diseases like asthma, cystic fibrosis, chronic bronchitis or emphysema
- heart disease
- chronic kidney disease
- metabolic diseases like diabetes
- blood disorders like sickle cell or other severe anemia
- a weakened immune system caused, for example, by cancer or cancer treatment, HIV/AIDS, organ transplant, or corticosteroid therapy
- certain conditions such as nervous system or muscular disorders or seizure disorders that can cause breathing problems or increase the risk of inhaling oral secretions.
- pregnancy
What kinds of things can I do for self-care?
- Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin) for fever and body aches.
- Over-the-counter cold and flu medications used according to the package instructions may help lessen some symptoms.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Drink clear fluids (water, broth, sports drinks) to keep from getting dehydrated.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or cough into your elbow if a tissue is not available.
- Clean hands often and especially after using tissues, or coughing into hands.
- Avoid close contact with others; do not go to work or school while ill.
- Stay home for 24 hours after your fever is gone (and you are no longer taking antifever medication)
- If you must leave your home, wear a face mask.
- Get Well kits will be available at Student Health, Res Life and college Place & Markets. The kits contain a digital thermometer, acetaminophen (Tylenol), cough syrup, lozenges, tissues, hand sanitizer, and a face mask.
- For meal delivery while sick or to get a "Flu Buddy", e-mail flubuddy@ucsd.edu.
For more information, visit: http://studenthealth.ucsd.edu/flu.shtml
1 comments:
My child came home from school saying that they learned to cough and sneeze into their elbow with Germy Wormie, and I was totally taken aback. I always covered with my hands. But I went to the website and now I get it, hands touch, elbows don't!! Kids can touch 300 surfaces in 1/2 hour and they hate to wash their hands. This is a simple thing that can make a huge difference.
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