Self care for managing flu like symptoms

[anwesha]

Hi, my friend Aamina, a 38-year-old woman, calls the pharmacy inquiring about self-care for influenza like symptoms. She works as an elementary school teacher and reports a sudden onset of chills, fatigue, general malaise, and muscle pains that caused her to be sent home out of fear that she had the flu, even though she had received her influenza vaccine. Upon arriving home, Aamina took her temperature and confirmed a fever of 101.6°F. She reports no significant medical history and says she takes no chronic medications other than occasional nonprescription medicines for mild conditions. Aamina has a cadre of cold and cough preparations at home, along with some pain relievers, but she wants to know what will best to alleviate her symptoms and help her recover as quickly as possible. What recommendations or education on self-care for managing flulike symptoms can you offer?

[Paromita]

@anwesha Symptoms associated with the influenza virus can vary and range from mild to severe. Given Aamina’s age and medical history, she is not considered high risk for developing influenza-associated complications. Nonetheless, it is important to educate her about proper self-care to promote recovery and reduce her chances of spreading the illness. First and foremost, encourage Aamina to stay at home and avoid contact with others as much as possible, unless she needs medical care. She may consider seeking medical evaluation for confirmation of influenza and treatment with prescription medications to reduce symptom duration. Regarding the efficacy of antiviral medications, time is of the essence, as these agents should be initiated within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. Beyond consideration for antiviral therapy, supportive care interventions should be used. These include controlling the fever with whatever analgesic or antipyretic Aamina has in her medicine cabinet; hydrating with water, soups, juices, or other noncaffeinated beverages; and washing her hands to avoid spreading the virus. Encourage her to stay at home for at least 24 hours after the fever subsides, in accordance with CDC recommendations