Symptomatic Treatment
The United States authority on disease prevention, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommends that persons suffering from influenza infections:
- Stay at home
- Get plenty of rest
- Drink a lot of liquids
- Do not smoke or drink alcohol
- Consider over-the-counter medications to relieve flu symptoms
- Consult a physician early on for best possible treatment
- Remain alert for emergency warning signs
Warning signs are symptoms that indicate that the disease is becoming serious and needs immediate medical attention. These include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
In children other warning signs include irritability, failing to wake up and interact, rapid breathing, and a blueish skin color. Another warning sign in children is if the flu symptoms appear to resolve, but then reappear with fever and a bad cough.
Read more about this topic: Influenza Treatment
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