And now you have the flu.
You're experiencing some or all of these symptoms:
* Fever of 100°F or higher
* Body or muscle aches
* Headache
* Feeling tired, weak, or like you're going to die
* Cough
* Sore throat
* Runny or stuffy nose
* Stomach symptoms (mostly in children)
Generally the symptom of high fever is indicative of the flu. Here's a helpful flowchart to help determine if you have the flu versus a regular cold: LINK
Here's some important things to have on hand to help you get over the flu:
* Thermometer
* Fever reducers such as acetaminophen (for example, Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (for example, Advil® or Motrin®)
* Cough drops or cough syrup
* Drinks: water, fruit juices, soda, tea, or fluids with electrolytes (Gatorade® or Pedialyte®). Avoid caffeine.
* Light foods: clear soups, crackers, and applesauce
* Blankets or warm covers
* Face masks and disposable gloves
If these symptoms persist for 48 hours, call your health care provider:
* Not able to drink enough fluids. Dark urine or feeling dizzy when standing are signs of not enough fluids.
* Fever of 100°F or higher for 3 or more days
* Feels better, then gets a fever or sore throat again
Get medical treatment RIGHT AWAY if you experience any of these issues:
*
Shortness of breath or wheezing
* Coughing up blood
* Pain or pressure in chest when breathing
* Chest pain, especially if have heart disease like angina or congestive heart failure
* Trouble with balance, walking or sitting up, or becoming confused
See this LINK for more information.
NEXT YEAR:
* Get a damn flu shot
5 comments:
FUNNY. I WONDER HOW MANY PEOPLE WHO GET A SHOT REALIZE HOW INEFFECTIVE IT CAN BE.
Why wait 48 hours to call your PCP if you think you have the flu? Wouldn't it be too late to get Tamiflu at that point?
Thanks.
Here's the thing with the flu shot: No, they don't always predict the prevalent strain that's going to be circulating. However, due to the negative consequences of not getting a flu shot, you are much better off getting the flu shot every year for those years that it is effective... especially with the elderly.
Agree but how many patients think it's 100 percent effective?I say most if not all
A little late to the party. What do you do if you are allergic to the flu shot? I am allergic to eggs and feathers. I have been told not to even try the shot unless it is a very bad year.
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