Influenza (the flu) is a viral illness that causes a high fever, 102°-104°F, usually lasting three to four days. It often causes headache, body aches, and cough with chest discomfort. The flu may include a stuffy nose, sneezing, and/or a sore throat. Flu sufferers may have extreme fatigue and weakness lasting up to three weeks. Other viral illnesses may mimic the flu but generally have a shorter course.
- For fever pain or general discomfort:
-
Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) 650 mg. every four hours or 1,000 mg. every 6 hours. Maximum 3,000 mg.
-
Or ibuprofen (Advil) 400 mg. every four hours maximum 2,400 mg. within 24 hours. Ibuprofen should be taken with food.
-
Tylenol may be alternated every two hours with Advil (ex: two tablets of regular strength Tylenol at 10:00 am, 2 Advil at 12:00 pm, 2 Tylenol at 2:00 pm, and so on.)
-
- To Keep your throat hydrated, increase your fluid intake. If it is difficult to swallow solid foods, nourishment can be maintained with Jello-O, fruit juices, Gatorade, broth, etc. Warm fluids (soups, hot tea) often feel better than cold.
- Lozenges such as Cepacol or Sucrets, cough drops, or hard candies may be soothing.
- Get extra rest. Stay inside as much as possible. DO NOT GO TO CLASS until your temperature is less than 100° F for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medicine.
- For nasal congestion, the use of Sudafed or Sudafed PE is advised.
- For cough, an over-the-counter cough syrup that contains dextromethorphan can suppress your cough.
- Call the Health & Wellness Center at 610-758-3870 for an appointment if symptoms persist or worsen after 72 hours of illness.