Flu In Adults
Overview
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a viral respiratory infection that affects many people every year. Most individuals with the flu can manage their symptoms at home without the need for medical attention. However, certain situations and high-risk groups require special consideration. Below, we outline when to consult a doctor, self-care measures, follow-up information, and preventive measures.
When to Consult a Doctor
- If a cold persists for more than 10 days.
- If your body temperature exceeds 102Β°F (38.8Β°C) despite taking medication.
- If you experience shortness of breath.
- If your symptoms persist for more than 5-7 days with no relief.
It's essential to contact a doctor if you belong to one of the high-risk groups susceptible to flu-related complications, such as:
Seek immediate medical attention in cases where complications arise, potentially indicating a severe flu infection, such as sinus and ear infections, bronchitis, or pneumonia. Symptoms that require hospital care include:
- Dehydration and an inability to drink fluids.
- Blood in the sputum (saliva mixed with mucus and coughed up).
- Difficulty breathing.
- Bluish skin discoloration (cyanosis).
- Exacerbation of fever.
- Return of fever, cough, and other symptoms in the second week or worsening after initial improvement.
Self-Care at Home
- Rest in bed and avoid physical exertion. Refrain from using alcohol and tobacco.
- Stay hydrated by consuming fluids like water, fruit juices, and clear soups. Water should not be the primary liquid consumed due to a lack of necessary electrolytes. Consider using products like Gatorade or similar sports drinks. For children, Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) packets are effective. You can make a rehydrating solution at home using salt, sugar, and plain or rice water, enhancing it with orange juice and mashed bananas. This solution is suitable for all ages.
- Manage fever and aches with over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Avoid using aspirin due to the risk of Reye syndrome in children under 16 years old.
Caution: Aspirin is not recommended for children under 16 years old with flu or cold symptoms due to its association with liver and brain damage (Reye syndrome).
Use cough suppressants and expectorants to address coughing. Steam inhalation can help alleviate nasal congestion, making breathing easier.
To create steam, boil water on the stove, remove the pot, and sit with a towel over your head to inhale the steam. Ensure the water is hot but not boiling under your face. Use caution if you have asthma. You can enhance the decongestant effect of the steam by adding a half teaspoon of Vicks VapoRub, a few drops of eucalyptus oil, or ginger slices to the boiling water. Another method is letting the shower run with hot water to steam up the bathroom. Inhaling the moisture in a steamy room can achieve a similar effect, but avoid sitting directly under the shower to prevent burns.
Take precautions to reduce the spread of flu viruses, such as frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding close contact with infected individuals.
Follow-up
Generally, most flu cases do not require follow-up unless fever or cough returns along with new symptoms, which may indicate a complication.
Prevention
Personal Hygiene
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
- Avoid touching your eyes or nose before washing your hands.
- Do not share clothes or personal items during a flu outbreak.
Vaccination
The most effective way to prevent the flu is by getting an influenza vaccination. Two types of vaccines are available: the injectable vaccine (flu shot) made from inactivated virus and the live attenuated virus administered as a nasal spray. The flu shot, containing inactivated influenza viruses A and B, is typically given in the upper arm annually in the fall before the flu season begins. It takes about two weeks for immunity to develop, making October to mid-November the ideal time for vaccination.
Due to potential vaccine distribution delays, individuals at high risk for flu complications should receive the vaccine in September, December, or throughout the flu season. The vaccine is effective in reducing the risk of flu infection, doctor visits, hospitalizations, and flu-related deaths, especially among older individuals.
Who Should Get the Flu Shot?
- Individuals over 50 years old.
- People with chronic heart, lung, or kidney diseases.
- Individuals with diabetes.
- Those who are HIV positive or have AIDS.
- Pregnant women past 14 weeks gestation (pregnant women at any stage and those breastfeeding can safely receive the flu shot).
- Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
- Children over 6 months old with chronic heart or lung conditions, including asthma.
- Children over 6 months old requiring regular medical care or who were hospitalized due to metabolic diseases (e.g., diabetes), chronic kidney disease, or weakened immune systems.
- Children and teenagers (6 months to 18 years) on long-term aspirin therapy and at risk of Reye Syndrome after a flu illness.
- Healthcare workers and volunteers in contact with high-risk patients, including nursing home employees.
- Household members (including children) of high-risk individuals.
- Students or individuals in institutional settings (e.g., dormitories or camps with close contact).
- Anyone seeking to reduce flu risk.
- The intranasal or live vaccine, FluMist, is an alternative to the flu shot for healthy individuals aged 5-49 who are not pregnant. Exceptions include healthcare workers caring for severely immunosuppressed patients or those caring for children under 6 months old.
- People allergic to eggs or who experienced Guillain-BarrΓ© syndrome within 6 weeks of a prior vaccination should consult their doctor before getting the influenza vaccine.