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What is Influenza
Influenza is also called “the flu.” It is an infection in the lungs, nose, and throat (respiratory tract). It is caused by a virus. The flu causes symptoms that are similar to symptoms of a cold. It also causes a high fever and body aches.
The flu spreads easily from person to person (is contagious). Getting a flu shot (influenza vaccination) every year is the best way to prevent the flu.
3 Interesting Facts of Influenza
- Very similar presentation to opioid withdrawal but often with history of exposure to someone with influenza and marked fever
- In influenza, gastrointestinal symptoms are more rare in adults
- Urine drug screen for opioids is typically negative in patients with influenza
Follow these instructions at home:
Activity
- Rest as needed. Get plenty of sleep.
- Stay home from work or school as told by your doctor.
- Do not leave home until you do not have a fever for 24 hours without taking medicine.
- Leave home only to visit your doctor.
Eating and drinking
- Take an oral rehydration solution (ORS). This is a drink that is sold at pharmacies and stores.
- Drink clear fluids in small amounts as you are able. Clear
fluids include:
- Water.
- Ice chips.
- Fruit juice that has water added (diluted fruit juice).
- Low-calorie sports drinks.
- Eat bland, easy-to-digest foods in small amounts as you are
able. These foods include:
- Bananas.
- Applesauce.
- Rice.
- Lean meats.
- Toast.
- Crackers.
- Do not eat or
drink:
- Fluids that have a lot of sugar or caffeine.
- Alcohol.
- Spicy or fatty foods.
General instructions
- Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
- Drink enough fluid to keep your pee (urine) pale yellow.
- Use a cool mist humidifier to add moisture to the air in your home. This can make it easier for you to breathe.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
- Wash your hands with soap and water often, especially after you cough or sneeze. If you cannot use soap and water, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Keep all follow-up visits as told by your doctor. This is important.
How is this prevented?
- Get a flu shot every year. You may get the flu shot in late summer, fall, or winter. Ask your doctor when you should get your flu shot.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick during fall and winter (cold and flu season).
Contact a doctor if:
- You get new symptoms.
- You have:
- Chest pain.
- Watery poop (diarrhea).
- Fever.
- Your cough gets worse.
- You start to have more mucus.
- You feel sick to your stomach (nauseous).
- You throw up (vomit).
Get help right away if you:
- Have shortness of breath.
- Have trouble breathing.
- Have skin or nails that turn a bluish color.
- Have very bad pain or stiffness in your neck.
- Get a sudden headache.
- Get sudden pain in your face or ear.
- Cannot eat or drink without throwing up.
Summary
- Influenza (“the flu”) is an infection in the lungs, nose, and throat. It is caused by a virus.
- Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.
- Getting a yearly (annual) flu shot is the best way to avoid getting the flu.