Most patients with H1N1 or seasonal influenza have mild symptoms, including a sore throat, cough, runny nose, headache, chills, fatigue and body aches, that do not require medical care, advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some patients may have a fever, diarrhea or vomiting as well. Those with more severe ailments or complications, including small children, pregnant women, the elderly and patients with chronic illnesses or disabilities, may require antiviral medication.
Rest
The CDC recommend that patients stay at home for 24 hours after symptoms begin, except if they are seeking medical care or performing essential errands. Rest and sleep aid the immune system, notes MayoClinic.com. Combined with other comfort measures, rest should be sufficient to treat patients with mild symptoms.
Fluids
To prevent dehydration, patients should drink plenty of water, juice and soup. In fact, chicken soup can help in reducing congestion from the flu, reports MayoClinic.com. If the patient’s urine is clear or pale yellow, he is receiving enough fluids.
Pain Relievers
To relieve aching and headache, over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be appropriate, reports MayoClinic.com. However, these medications may cause side effects if taken for long periods or in high doses. Children and adolescents should not take aspirin, which could cause Reye’s syndrome, a potentially fatal disease. Antibiotics are not indicated for treatment of flu symptoms.
Antiviral Drugs
Patients with severe symptoms or high risk for complications may need treatment with antiviral drugs. Zanamivir and oseltamivir must be taken within 48 hours of the start of the influenza symptoms, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The medications can shorten the course of the illness by about a day or two, report the CDC.
Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, lightheadedness, nasal symptoms and breathing problems. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has required the manufacturer of oseltamivir to include a warning that the drug may cause confusion and an increased risk of self-injury in patients, especially children.
Emergency Care
Emergency care and hospitalization may be needed if severe symptoms occur, according to the CDC. In children, the emergency warning signs are bluish skin color, extreme irritability, fever with a rash, trouble breathing, rapid breathing, dehydration, unresponsiveness or flu-like symptoms that improve, but return with fever and a cough that is worse. In adults, sudden dizziness, confusion, severe vomiting, shortness of breath or flu-like symptoms that improve, but return with fever and a worse cough require emergency medical care.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: What to do If You Get Sick
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Flu
- MayoClinic.com: Influenza (Flu): Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- MayoClinic.com: Influenza (Flu): Treatment and Drugs
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Antiviral Drugs: Side Effects
