The flu typically starts with a headache, chills and cough, followed rapidly by fever, loss of appetite, muscle aches and fatigue, running nose, sneezing, watery eyes and throat irritation. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may also occur, especially in children. Usually, you will have a high fever that lasts for 3-4 days, a headache and muscle aches, extreme fatigue that may last 2-3 weeks, and a bad cough. Most people recover within a week to 10 days. If your symptoms do not improve, see your doctor; you may be suffering from complications of the flu.
Take care of yourself
Drink more fluids: Increase the amount of water, juice and soup you
consume
Get plenty of rest for seven to ten days
Take acetaminophen. Children should not be given ASA, commonly known
as Aspirin, because of the risk of Reye's syndrome*.
If you get sick, stay home!
If you go out when you're sick, you may spread your illness to co-workers, classmates, neighbours or others. It may take you longer to get better if you are not well rested. Wait until you no longer have a fever and your cough is improving.
Practice proper cough etiquette
The influenza virus spreads quickly from person to person through droplets in the air. These droplets come from our noses and mouths when we cough or sneeze, so cover your mouth with a tissue or raise your arm up to your face to cough or sneeze into your sleeve. If you use a tissue, dispose of it as soon as possible and wash your hands immediately.
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.
* Reye's Syndrome (RS) is a rare disease that affects mainly children or teenagers during a viral illness, such as chicken pox or influenza. It can be fatal. The use of ASA (Acetylsalicylic Acid) has been strongly linked with the development of RS.
*This content is adapted from information provided by the Public Health Agency
of Canada