Getting Ready for Flu: Preparing your Home and Caring for the Sick.
Though flu activity has declined since late October, there are still uncertainties surrounding the rest of this flu season, including the possibility of the circulation of seasonal influenza viruses and ongoing circulation of 2009 H1N1 viruses. In past pandemics, flu activity has occurred in waves, and it’s possible that the United States could experience localized outbreaks of 2009 H1N1.
Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so; a supply of over-the-counter medicines1-medications for symptom relief as needed for fever and pain such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, Nuprin®), and cough medicine3; alcohol-based hand rubs (for when soap and water are not available); tissues and other related items could help you to avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious.1 Store all medicines out of reach of children.2
Do not give aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) or products that contain aspirin (e.g. bismuth subsalicylate – Pepto Bismol) to children or teenagers 18 years old or younger. Children younger than 4 years of age should not be given over-the-counter cold medications without first speaking with a health care provider.
Keeping the person with flu in a separate sick room can help keep others in the family from getting the flu. Try to give the sick person their own room. If there is more than one sick person, they can share the sick room if needed. If you have more than one bathroom, have sick people use one bathroom and well people use the other one. Give each sick person their own drinking glass, washcloth, and towel. Have these items in the sick room: tissues, a trash can with lid and lined with a plastic trash bag, alcohol-based hand rub, a cooler or pitcher with ice and drinks, a cup with a straw or a squeeze bottle to help with drinking, a thermometer, a humidifier (A machine that puts tiny drops of water into the air. This extra moisture can make it easier for the sick person to breathe.), and facemasks (Sick people should wear a facemask if available when they leave the sick room or are around other people.)
To prevent the spread of influenza virus it is important to keep surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, kitchen counters and toys for children) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label. Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but importantly these items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first. Linens (such as bed sheets and towels) should be washed by using household laundry soap and tumbled dry on a hot setting. Individuals should avoid "hugging" laundry prior to washing it to prevent contaminating themselves. Individuals should wash their hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub immediately after handling dirty laundry. Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap.
People in high risk groups should talk to their health care provider as soon as possible if they think they may have the flu because they have a greater chance of getting serious flu complications than other persons. Flu antiviral drugs can make you feel better, shorten the time you are sick, and prevent serious flu complications, especially if treatment is begun within 2 days of getting sick. Flu antiviral drugs must be prescribed by a physician.
If your doctor prescribed Tamiflu® (oseltamivir) or Relenza® (zanamivir) for you, don’t delay filling the prescription, and start taking the medication as soon as you get it. This way you will get the most benefit. It’s very important that antiviral drugs be started as soon as possible for the flu, ideally within 2 days of getting sick. Take all of the antiviral medication as directed. Continue to cover your cough and wash your hands often, even when taking antiviral medications, to prevent spreading influenza to others. Call the office if you (or your child) experience any side effects; i.e. nausea, vomiting, rash, or unusual behavior.
Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so; a supply of over-the-counter medicines1-medications for symptom relief as needed for fever and pain such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, Nuprin®), and cough medicine3; alcohol-based hand rubs (for when soap and water are not available); tissues and other related items could help you to avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious.1 Store all medicines out of reach of children.2
Do not give aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) or products that contain aspirin (e.g. bismuth subsalicylate – Pepto Bismol) to children or teenagers 18 years old or younger. Children younger than 4 years of age should not be given over-the-counter cold medications without first speaking with a health care provider.
Keeping the person with flu in a separate sick room can help keep others in the family from getting the flu. Try to give the sick person their own room. If there is more than one sick person, they can share the sick room if needed. If you have more than one bathroom, have sick people use one bathroom and well people use the other one. Give each sick person their own drinking glass, washcloth, and towel. Have these items in the sick room: tissues, a trash can with lid and lined with a plastic trash bag, alcohol-based hand rub, a cooler or pitcher with ice and drinks, a cup with a straw or a squeeze bottle to help with drinking, a thermometer, a humidifier (A machine that puts tiny drops of water into the air. This extra moisture can make it easier for the sick person to breathe.), and facemasks (Sick people should wear a facemask if available when they leave the sick room or are around other people.)
To prevent the spread of influenza virus it is important to keep surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, kitchen counters and toys for children) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label. Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but importantly these items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first. Linens (such as bed sheets and towels) should be washed by using household laundry soap and tumbled dry on a hot setting. Individuals should avoid "hugging" laundry prior to washing it to prevent contaminating themselves. Individuals should wash their hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub immediately after handling dirty laundry. Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap.
People in high risk groups should talk to their health care provider as soon as possible if they think they may have the flu because they have a greater chance of getting serious flu complications than other persons. Flu antiviral drugs can make you feel better, shorten the time you are sick, and prevent serious flu complications, especially if treatment is begun within 2 days of getting sick. Flu antiviral drugs must be prescribed by a physician.
If your doctor prescribed Tamiflu® (oseltamivir) or Relenza® (zanamivir) for you, don’t delay filling the prescription, and start taking the medication as soon as you get it. This way you will get the most benefit. It’s very important that antiviral drugs be started as soon as possible for the flu, ideally within 2 days of getting sick. Take all of the antiviral medication as directed. Continue to cover your cough and wash your hands often, even when taking antiviral medications, to prevent spreading influenza to others. Call the office if you (or your child) experience any side effects; i.e. nausea, vomiting, rash, or unusual behavior.
