Illnesses, Injuries & Medical Conditions Index

FLU-INFLUENZA

• Causes
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Seek Medical Attention If ...

Causes

• Virus-influenza A, B or C viruses with many viral strains of each. Influenza A is the most virulent.
• These viruses attack the lining of the respiratory tract (nose, throat, bronchi, lungs) and cause them to become swollen and inflamed.
• The symptoms usually appear 18-36 hours after exposure to the virus. It is spread by coughing and inhalation of the virus.

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Symptoms

• Fever, chills, headache, and body aches which last from 1 to 3 days.
• Cough - which may last 7 to 10 days.
• Fatigue and weakness which may last for 2 weeks depending on your general health and how closely you follow the prescribed treatment.

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Treatment

• Bed rest while the fever lasts.
• Drink large quantities of fluids.
• Tylenol, two tablets, every 4 to 6 hours for fever over 101 degrees and general aches.
• Cough medicine. This may be purchased over the counter. Follow the package directions.
• Humidfy the air of the home or room with a vaporizer or steam from a pan on the stove or hearing unit.

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Seek Medical Attention If You Have Any of the Following:

• Fever over 101 degrees lasting longer than 3 days.
• Coughing up blood or greenish-yellow mucus.
• Severe nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
• Severe or persistent abdominal or chest pain.
• Chronic illness such as diabetes, lung, heart or kidney disease.

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