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.