What to do if you get influenza (the flu)

The ideal treatment for both seasonal and H1N1 influenza is very simple: stay at home, rest, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.  If your symptoms get worse or you are at risk of influenza complications, contact your family doctor.  Limit your contact with others until you are free of symptoms and feeling well.  

Seasonal influenza

Influenza is different from a cold, as it usually comes on suddenly.  Flu-like-symptoms include a fever (usually high) and a cough with at least one of the following:  sore throat, joint or muscle pain and/or fatigue. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may also occur, especially in children. Children and the elderly infected by the influenza virus may not necessarily have a fever.

Fever may last for three-to-four days.  Most people recover within seven-to-10 days; however, you may experience extreme fatigue for two or three weeks.  If your symptoms do not improve, see your doctor -- you may be suffering from serious complications of influenza.

H1N1 influenza symptoms

The symptoms for this new strain of pandemic influenza are similar to those for seasonal influenza.   H1N1 begins with a fever and cough, and one or more of the following:

• sore throat;
• body aches; and
• fatigue.

Some people have also reported vomiting and diarrhea.

In Canada,and New Brunswick, diagnosis of the H1N1 influenza virus is now based on symptoms, without laboratory testing.  As part of ongoing surveillance, clinicians throughout New Brunswick are regularly provided with updates regarding who should be tested.  Your doctor or nurse practitioner will let you know if a virus test is necessary in your case.

How to take care of yourself

If you get sick with flu-like symptoms this influenza season, you must stay at home and avoid contact with other people except to get medical care, if needed. Most people who have contracted the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus have had mild illness and have not needed medical care or antiviral drugs, and the same is true of seasonal influenza.

• Some people are more likely to get influenza complications, and they need to talk to their health-care provider about whether they need to be examined if they get flu-like symptoms this season. Rest is the best treatment.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Eat nutritious food.
• Take medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen for fever and pain, if necessary.  Check the manufacturer’s directions. Do not give aspirin to anyone under 18 years of age, due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.
• Gargle with salt water to relieve a sore throat.
• Over-the-counter remedies may relieve fever and pain and soothe coughing.  Ask your pharmacist for advice.
• Antibiotics are not generally useful, unless the influenza virus is accompanied by a bacterial infection.
• Your doctor may consider using antiviral drugs, under special circumstances.
• Wash your hands thoroughly every time you blow your nose and cough.
•  Dispose of used tissues immediately.
• If possible, avoid contact with the elderly, people with weakened immune systems and chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, and young children
• Do not go to work or school as long as you have flu-like symptoms, because you will spread the virus to others

How to look after someone who has the H1N1 influenza virus

How long am I contagious?

SEASONAL INFLUENZA

Most healthy adults may be able to infect others, beginning one day before symptoms develop and for many days after becoming sick. Children may pass on the virus to others for longer than seven days.  Symptoms start one-to-four days after the virus enters the body.

H1N1 INFLUENZA

More research is being done to see how long a person can spread the H1N1 virus.  It is believed that this period is for one day before the onset of symptoms, and continues for many days after symptoms have started. The time it takes between being infected and experiencing symptoms is between two and seven days.   Some experts indicate that the best indicator of when the H1N1 virus patient is no longer contagious may be when coughing stops.

How long should I stay home?

Stay home from work if you're sick, and keep your children home from school when they have a cold or flu-like symptoms. If you go out when you're sick, you may spread your illness to co-workers, classmates, neighbours or others. It may take you longer to get better if you are not well-rested. Wait until you no longer have a fever and you are well enough to go about your usual activity.

When to visit a doctor/clinic

Persons at high risk of complications from influenza-like illness should seek medical attention promptly.  This includes pregnant women, children under five, people with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, those with compromised immune systems, and seniors over 65. 

If you get flu-like symptoms and are otherwise healthy, you should stay home to recover.

You should see a doctor when:

• your symptoms are severe;
• you have trouble breathing;
• you cough up green or brown secretions;
• you display symptoms other than those for influenza;
• you do not feel better after five-to-seven days; and
• your fever has lasted more than three days.  

For free, confidential health advice, with access to bilingual registered nurses, 
24 hours a day, 7 days a week,   call toll-free 1-800-244-8353.