CDC Tells Those Who Are Sick to Take Care of Themselves

A News & Events entry posted on March 4, 2009

It was slow to put in an appearance, but influenza is definitely here. In the week ending February 21, 27 states reported having widespread influenza activity, which means that at least half of the regions within each state reported having recent laboratory-confirmed influenza AND an influenza outbreak or an increase in cases of influenza-like illness.

Given the increase in influenza activity, CDC’s web page of information for the public is timely and welcome. Titled "Taking Care of Yourself: What to Do if You Get Sick with Flu," the web page offers the public information on flu symptoms, antiviral drugs, what to do if you get sick, and emergency warning signs.

The sections If You Get Sick and Emergency Warning Signs arereprinted below.

IF YOU GET SICK
Most healthy people recover from the flu without complications. If you get the flu:

* Stay home from work or school.
* Get lots of rest, drink plenty of liquids, and avoid using alcohol and tobacco.
* There are over-the-counter (OTC) medications to relieve the symptoms of the flu (but never give aspirin to children or teenagers who have flu-like symptoms, particularly fever).
* Remember that serious illness from the flu is more likely in certain groups of people including people 65 and older, pregnant women, people with certain chronic medical conditions, and young children.
* Consult your doctor early on for the best treatment, but also be aware of emergency warning signs that require urgent medical attention.

EMERGENCY WARNING SIGNS
Seek emergency medical care if you or someone you know is having any of following warning signs discussed below.

In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

* Fast breathing or trouble breathing
* Bluish skin color
* Not drinking enough fluids
* Not waking up or not interacting
* Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
* Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
* Fever with a rash

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
* Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
* Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
* Sudden dizziness
* Confusion
* Severe or persistent vomiting

Seek emergency medical care if you or someone you know is experiencing any of the signs above.

For more information refer to the CDC website "Taking Care of Yourself: What to Do if You Get Sick with Flu"