YOUR MEDICAL MOMENT: FLU. NOW WHAT?

18 Jan YOUR MEDICAL MOMENT: FLU. NOW WHAT?

Telluride Inside… and Out is proud to feature the Telluride Medical Center’s MEDICAL MOMENT, a weekly column that answers common medical questions in pop culture. Have a question for the doctors? Click here to send.

Laura Cattell, PA-C

Laura A. Cattell, PA-C answer this week’s question: I have the flu. Now what?

According to the CDC, 47 states (including Colorado) report widespread geographic influenza activity, up from 41 last week. Nationally, it’s likely that influenza will continue for several more weeks.

What to do if you have the flu:

• Most people will have only a mild illness, if you or your children are sick stay home and avoid contact with others
• Rest and push clear fluids
• Use an air humidifier
• Most healthy adults do not need to take an anti-viral medication.

Supportive treatment:

• Fever control: take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil).
• Stay hydrated, lots of clear fluids, you should be urinating every 4-6 hrs if not you may be getting dehydrated.  • Expectorant for cough symptoms can help thin the mucous, Musinex is a good one!
• For general muscle aches and/or sore throat take ibuprofen or Tylenol.  For adults you can take 3 over the counter ibuprofens every 6-8 hours, taken with food.
• Symptomatic treatment such as a decongestant or multi- cold tablet may help. Read the label as many of these medications contain Tylenol and you do not want to take too much, if you have other conditions such as high blood pressure you should not take these medications either.

What else should I know?

You should stay at home for at least 24 hours after your fever has resolved WITHOUT medication before you return to work or school.

You may be contagious for approximately 24 hours before you have symptoms.

If you are getting worse, higher fever, more cough, shortness of breath, severe vomiting or symptoms seem to improve but then return, you should be seen by a provider at a medical facility.

Also See Medical Moment: How to avoid the Flu by Dr. Diana Koelliker here.

.Editor’s note: The Telluride Medical Center is the only 24-hour emergency facility within 65 miles. You can choose your own medical provider visit with a specialist or take advantage of their Mountain Skin Care services. As a mountain town in a challenging, remote environment, a thriving medical center is vital to our community’s health. For more Medical Moments on TIO, Click Here.