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Flu and Flu-like Illnesses.

You have been treated for Flu and/or Flu-like Illnesses. You have been thoroughly examined and are now considered fit to be discharged. the following will aid your recovery.

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Care Instructions for Flu and Flu-like Illnesses

Flu is caused by a strain of the influenza virus. However, many other viruses can cause an illness similar to flu and it is therefore difficult to say exactly which virus is causing the illness. Each winter a different strain of the influenza virus causes an outbreak of flu which affects many people. During an outbreak, if you get a ‘flu-like’ illness it is more likely to be caused by the influenza virus than another type of virus.

Symptoms:

High temperature (fever).
Sweats.
Muscle aches, joint pain.
Dry cough.
Sore throat.
Sneezing.
Headache.
Nausea.
Even if you are young and fit, flu can make you ill enough to need to go to bed.
Symptoms peak after 1–2 days and then gradually wear off over several days.
Tiredness and a dry cough may persist for 1–2 weeks.
Mild cough and phlegm for up to a month.

Other serious illnesses can have similar symptoms to flu when they first develop.

Tell a doctor if you have flu-like symptoms, but have been to a country where malaria is present within the last year.

Advice:

Your body defences will usually clear viruses which cause flu and flu-like illnesses.
Painkillers, eg, paracetamol and ibuprofen will ease aches and pains, and also lower temperature.
Don’t wrap up, instead try to cool down.
Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
Antibiotics are not necessary.

Flu immunisation gives good protection against the influenza virus and is given to people who are more likely to develop complications from flu. Consult your health care professional for advice regarding immunisation.

If you are normally well you are unlikely to develop complications. See a doctor if symptoms change or become worse or if you experience:

Neck stiffness.
Severe headache.
Confusion.
Shortness of breath.

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