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Influenza
Overview
Influenza (the
“flu”) is caused by a number of influenza viruses. The flu
strikes most frequently in colder months. Many flu symptoms
overlap with those of a severe cold, but the flu is much more
incapacitating. Expect to be confined to bed from a few days to
a week or more. Flu shots can dramatically reduce your chances
of getting the flu. Antibiotics are ineffective against flu
viruses, but there are prescription drugs that can shorten the
duration and reduce the severity of flu symptoms if started
within two days of their onset.
Signs and Symptoms
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Sore throat
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Fever—often greater than 102 degrees F (38.8 degrees C)
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Mild to severe body aches
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Extreme fatigue (at times being unable to get out of bed)
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Headaches
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Cough
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Nausea/vomiting
Self-Care Measures
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Make yourself drink 8 ounces of water, juice, or sports
drinks every waking hour.
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Take an OTC analgesic for fever and body aches. For fevers
that don’t come down after taking one kind of analgesic, try
alternating ibuprofen and acetaminophen every 3 hours. Take
the recommended dose of ibuprofen and wait three hours. If
your fever hasn’t come down, take the recommended dose of
acetaminophen and wait 3 hours to see if your fever
responds.
Red Flags
Check in with the
nurse if ..
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You suspect you have the flu (not just a bad cold), your
symptoms began within the last 48 hours, and you want to be
evaluated for a prescription anti-flu medication.
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Fever of 104 degrees F (40 degrees C) or higher that has not
come down within 6 hours after beginning to alternate
ibuprofen and acetaminophen as described above.
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Extreme headache.
CALL 911 OR GO DIRECTLY TO AN EMERGENCY ROOM IF ANY OF THE
FOLLOWING OCCURS:
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Severe headache and stiff neck with fever or shaking
chills. This can be a sign of meningococcal disease
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Severe difficulty breathing.
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Severe dizziness, weakness, confusion, or stupor.
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Unusual dark spots (much like bruises) of any size on your
skin. This can be a sign of meningococcal disease which
progresses rapidly, can be fatal, and requires immediate
medical
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