FLU :
A viral infection associated with a fever as high as 104 degrees, generalized muscle aches, cough, chills, sore throat, weakness and/or fatigue and headache.

TREATMENT...generally symptomatic:

• Rest
• Drink fluids (average 8oz. per hour during the awake hours) Fluids such as juice, Sprite or 7-Up, and gatorade are encouraged.  Avoid drinking only caffeinated beverages such soda, coffee, tea, or energy drinks. 
• Tylenol or Advil (Ibuprofen-take with food) 2 tablets every 4-6 hours for fever and/or pain/aches.

FEVER :
DO NOT TAKE ASPIRIN FOR A FEVER as serious complications may arise such as Reye’s Syndrome.  This syndrome occurs in children and young adults, and can result in liver failure or brain injury.

TREATMENT...

• Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil.)
• Cool, tepid showers (not cold or hot)
• Don’t bundle up….this keeps your core body temperature up.
• Rest
• Fluids
• If no improvement after 24-48 hours or temperature increases, seek medical advice. In some cases, a fever is beneficial in helping your body rid itself of a virus.

COLDS :

TREATMENT...

• Drink lots of fluids to loosen secretions-hot ones to soothe the throat.
• Gargling with warm salt water can help reduce swelling in the throat.
• Inhale warm, moist air – humidifier or a facial steamer.
• Get plenty of rest
• DON’T SMOKE, smoking thickens your secretions.

MEDICATIONS...

• Tylenol or other acetaminophen products for aches/pains or fever.
• Decongestants such as Pseudophedrine (Sudafed) for congestion
• Antihistamines such as Benadryl or ChlorTrimeton for a runny or drippy nose.
• Cough syrup for coughs like Robitussin DM. (ASTHMATICS SHOULD NOT TAKE UNLESS ADVISED BY A PHYSICIAN)

RECOVERY...

If your cold does not clear up in 3 days, or if you have the following symptoms seek medical attention.

• chronic fatigue
• red/raw throat
• fever greater than 100.5 degrees F. for longer than two days.
• cough with production of YELLOW OR GREEN mucus
• YELLOW, GREEN OR BLOODY nasal drainage
• pain or tenderness around eyes
• painful swelling of the neck glands
• painful breathing, wheezing or shortness of breath

HELPFUL HINT: Finishing the complete course of medication is important; even if you start feeling better you need to take the entire antibiotic.

HELPFUL HINT: GOOD HAND WASHING IS THE EASIEST AND BEST WAY TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF GERMS.

HELPFUL HINT: Throat cultures are not taken until you’ve had a sore throat for 24 hours—if it does turn out negative but symptoms persist after 2-3 days be rechecked. A culture is not valid if you have already started taking an antibiotic.

NAUSEA AND/OR VOMITING:
Seek medical advice if vomiting persists for more than 24 hours. If you are vomiting blood, go to the emergency department.

TREATMENT...

• Nausea – intake only small amounts of clear liquid fluids, crackers or dry toast.
• Vomiting - Nothing to eat/drink until your vomiting has stopped for at least 4 hours. It is best to give your stomach a rest.

How to advance your diet once vomiting has stopped

• For the first 1 – 2 hours…sips of water, ice chips or popsicles are recommended.
• First 24 hours…Gradually increase your fluid intake. Remain on clear liquids such as 7-up, tea, broth, jello, sports drinks (any liquid you can see through). NO MILK PRODUCTS
• Second 24 hours…Add easily digested foods such as: bananas, rice, applesauce or toast. Again, no milk products.
• Third 24 hours…Regular diet, although avoid greasy or spicy foods until day 4.

DIARRHEA:
During acute phases of diarrhea, stress to the digestive system should be minimized. Seek medical advice if diarrhea persists.

TREATMENT...

• Eat 5-6 small meals a day, using foods from the following lists. The diet may be used for 2-3 days only, as it is nutritionally inadequate.
  • Day 1…bananas, applesauce, boiled skim milk (cooled or warm), cooked refined cereal, cooked rice, eggs (not fried), tea (no sugar).
  • Day 2 & 3…can add the following; mashed potatoes, chicken or other tender lean meats, mild cooked vegetables, and canned or cooked fruits. AVOID…fried, fatty or raw foods and/or sweets and desserts.
  • Day 4…Resume normal diet

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