Flu and “Flu-like” Illness
The flu and “flu-like’ illnesses (i.e. the common cold) are caused by viruses. Viruses are microscopically small causes of illness. They are not quite alive as you and I understand that term, but they have some life-like aspects, including the ability to reproduce inside a “host’ like you and me. Viruses are not affected by antibiotics, there is not a single antibiotic anywhere that affects a virus.
There are some new medications called antivirals (i.e. Tamiflu and Xufluza) that interrupt the flu virus’s reproductive cycle and may shorten the length of time you feel ill. Your provider will discuss with you if these medications are appropriate for you or your child. These medications don’t ‘cure’ the flu and you will still feel ill during the time it takes your body to manufacture it’s own immune response, or “Flu Fighters.” These medicines don't work for COVID 19
In the meantime, you can take steps to help yourself feel better.
1. Drink lots of fluids. If you are awake you should have a glass of water in your hand. Unless you have a fluid restriction because of renal or cardiac disease you need all the fluid you can drink.
2. Take acetaminophen and ibuprofen to help with pain and fever. (See the handout for acetaminophen and ibuprofen.)
3. Rest. Stay in bed, watch TV, read a good book. Your body needs to recover.
4. Stay away from people. These illnesses are contagious. They spread by droplets in the air from coughing and sneezing. Cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough and sneeze. Wear a mask. Wash your handsregularly and avoid touching communal items like the TV clicker. Stay home from work and school. You wouldn’t like it if your colleague came to work/school and shared his illness with you. Don’t be THAT guy.
5. Gargle with warm salt water, drink tea and honey, humidify the air. Do all the things Gramma told you to do, Gramma was a smart lady, do what she said.
Paul’s Discharge Instructions
Pain and/or Fever Adult
Unless you have some pre-existing medical conditions that would limit you. (i.e. hepatitis), you can usually take both Acetaminophen (brand name Tylenol) and Ibuprofen(brand names Motrin or Advil) for your pain and/or fever.
You may take 2-3 regular strength (325 mg; 2 X 325mg = 650mg, 3 x 325 mg = 975mg) OR 2 extra strength (500 mg 2 x 500 = 1000 mg) of acetaminophenevery six hours. The difference between 975 mg and 1000 mg is insignificant.
You may take 2-3 regular over the counter strength (200mg; 2 x 200mg = 400mg, 3 x 200mg = 600mg) of ibuprofen every 6 hours.
You may take both acetaminophen and ibuprofen together but should not take them at the same time, you should have +/- 3 hours between the two medications.For example, if you take acetaminophen at 6am, 12pm, 6 pm and midnight you could also take ibuprofen at 3am, 9am, 3pm and 9pm.
You should take both with a full 8 ounce glass of water every time. Ibuprofen can sometimes cause stomach irritation so you may want to have something in your stomach beforehand. You should avoid alcohol while taking ibuprofen.
