We generally see two patterns of viral (flu) syndromes - respiratory predominant and GI predominant. The following is a brief summary of recommendations for self-care. Please contact your physician if you have further questions or problems.
While influenza vaccination in the fall will confer protection from up to 3 different influenza viruses in winter, respiratory flu syndromes can be caused by a large number of viruses. Testing to determine whether the infection is caused by a specific virus is not currently available. Antibiotics play no role in the treatment of the adult with a viral respiratory syndrome and while commonly requested by patients (and commonly prescribed by doctors), this inappropriate use of powerful medications is resulting in widespread resistance to antibiotics (resulting in death or severe illness when antibiotics are not working), a large dollar cost to our beleaguered health care system, and a large variety of side effects from these antibiotics.
Recommended Self-Treatments and Recommendations
Fever
The height of the fever does not strictly correlate with infection severity and so temperature checking is usually not needed in the normal adult. If you feel hot and sweaty or have cold chills, you are probably having a fever. Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) is very effective when taken in doses of 200-400 mg (1-2 tablets) every four hours. Acetaminophen (tylenol) is an alternative when you cannot take ibuprofen.
Fluid consumption is important to avoid dehydration from the fever - dilute fruit juices, carbonated beverages, water, and electrolyte solutions (Gatorade etc) are effective. Intake require several liters per day-following your urine concentration is helpful, if it is clear, you are drinking enough.
Cough (non-productive, occasionally yellow-green)
Cough syrups containing a suppresant (dextromethorphan) and expectorant (guanfescin). Examples Robitussin DM or Walgreen Brand Waltus) Tea with lemon and honey (additional liquor is optional!)
Maintain adequate hydration
Congestion (nose, throat, chest)
Decongestants such as pseudoephedrine or chlorpheniramine.
Maintain adequate hydration
Muscle Aches
Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) is very effective when taken in doses of 200-400 mg (1-2 tablets) every four hours. Acetaminophen (tylenol) is an alternative when you cannot take ibuprofen.
Sore Throat
Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) is very effective when taken in doses of 200-400 mg (1-2 tablets) every four hours. Acetaminophen (tylenol) is an alternative when you cannot take ibuprofen.
Lozenges, hard candy, cool liquids.
Get an influenza vaccine next year!
Wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth when coughing.
When to call your doctor
If you have other medical problems (such as asthma, emphysema, diabetes, heart disease) If symptoms persist more than 7-10 days If you develop difficulty with breathing, pain with breathing, or uncontrollable cough
If you have any other questions or problems of concern
GI Predominant
Key Symptoms Experienced
Fever Nausea and/or vomiting Diarrhea (loose, watery, yellow to brown, no blood or mucous) Muscle Aches Stomache ache, cramping, hiccups, increased heartburn Absence of lower abdominal pain
Absence of stiff neck, severe headache, rash
Description of the Cause
Viral GI syndromes in adults are caused by a large number of viruses. Antibiotics play no role in the treatment of viral GI syndromes.
Recommended Self-Treatments and Recommendations
Fever
The height of the fever does not strictly correlate with infection severity and so temperature checking is usually not needed in the normal adult. If you feel hot and sweaty or have cold chills, you are probably having a fever. Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) is very effective when taken in doses of 200-400 mg (1-2 tablets) every four hours. Acetaminophen (tylenol) is an alternative when you cannot take ibuprofen.
Fluid consumption is important to avoid dehydration from the fever - dilute fruit juices, carbonated beverages, water, and electrolyte solutions (Gatorade etc) are effective. Intake require several liters per day-following your urine concentration is helpful, if it is clear, you are drinking enough.
Nausea and/or vomiting
Small sips of water, carbonated beverage, electrolyte solutions. Increase as tolerated. Crackers, toast, broth, rice. Wait 1-2 hour after vomiting before attempting intake of fluid, if fluid tolerated over 2-4 hours, try small amounts of food (crackers etc)
For nausea accompanied by heartburn, consider antacids (tablet or liquid) or over the counter remedies for acid (Pepcid-AC, Tagamet-HB etc).
Diarrhea (loose, watery, yellow to brown, no blood or mucous)
Start with fluids - electrolyte solutions (gatorade etc), dilute fruit juices, carbonated beverages. Dilute drinks containing sugar (glucose) with or without electrolytes are absorbed in greater quantities then pure water when diarrhea is present.
Introduce Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast if tolerating liquids and both.
Muscle Aches
Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) is very effective when taken in doses of 200-400 mg (1-2 tablets) every four hours. Acetaminophen (tylenol) is an alternative when you cannot take ibuprofen.
If you have other medical problems (such as diabetes, heart disease, intestinal disorders of any kind) If symptoms persist more than 7-10 days and/or are refractory to above treatments. If there is significant abdominal pain or uncontrollable vomiting
If stool or vomit material has blood or large amounts of mucous.
