Got the flu? Protect yourself!
What is influenza?
- Influenza is an infectious illness that spreads from person to person, mainly through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
Is Influenza the same as a common cold?
- Influenza is different than a common cold.
- A common cold starts gradually and usually only causes a mild sore throat, a cough and sneezing, and a stuffy, running nose. It is milder than influenza and usually you can carry on with normal activities.
What are the symptoms of influenza?
- Sudden onset of fever over 38 degrees Celsius
- Aching muscles and headache
- Extreme tiredness and a desire to stay in bed
- Dry cough
- Runny or stuffy nose, sometimes a sore throat
- Loss of appetite
What can I do to protect myself from the virus?
- Wash hands frequently – before eating, after coughing or sneezing, and after the toilet. Use soap and warm water and rub surfaces thoroughly for 15 seconds.
- Don’t share eating utensils and drinking glasses.
- Don’t shake hands during an infuenza pandemic.
- Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes. If you do touch them, wash your hands.
- Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing. Wash hands after doing so. Use a tissue and throw it in the trash after you use it.
- Clean utensils used by sick people or surfaces they touch with warm, soapy water or a disinfectant.
- Avoid large crowds if an influenza pandemic is declared.
- Don’t smoke. Cigarettes make it easier to catch influenza.
- Wear masks or scarfs in public or if around sick people if a pandemic occurs.
What should I do if I think I have influenza?
- Measure your temperature. If it is not 38 degrees Celsius or above it is probably not influenza.
- Rest – no vigorous exercise. Avoid contact with others. STAY AT HOME.
- Drink plenty of fluids, a glass of water or juice every hour.
- Take paracetamol for fever. It does not kill the virus but helps you feel better.
- Gargle with warm water to ease the pain of a sore throat.
- If your nose is plugged, saline or salt nose drops might help.
- Keep your nose clean with disposable tissues and dispose of them in the garbage. Wash hands afterwards.
- Do not smoke.
When should I seek further medical attention?
Warning signs in children:
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
- Fever with a rash
Warning signs in adults:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
