INFLUENZA - Common Medical Advice

General Information

Influenza, or flu, is an infection due to a virus. It can be very debilitating and serious, especially in the weak and/or the elderly. People often make the mistake of saying that they have the flu when it is just actually a cold. The symptoms of these persons are quite different Secondary infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia may be the result of influenza.

Signs and Symptoms

• A person with flu is likely to experience:
• A high-grade fever (38.8-40°C) 
• Muscle and joint aches 
• Severe, unexplained tiredness and weakness
• Headache that many range from mild to severe
• Pain and burning sensation of the eyes
• Cough that is usually non-productive
• Sore throat
• Nasal symptoms such as sneezing.a stuffed nose and /or a runny nose are rarely seen with influenza.

Advice to the Customers

• Measure the temperature regularly every 6 hours, making sure the manner of taking temperature is correct and properly carried out.
• Maintain a high fluid intake.
• Take an adequate amount of bed rest for 1-3 days to let the body rest.
• Influenza may be transmitted and contagious. Avoid areas that are populated such as the workplace.
• Vaccination against influenza is available. Consult your doctor about this.

Prescription Advice

• Instruct the patient on the medication and how to use it properly, i.e. name of the medication, frequency of dosage, etc.
• In cases where flu persists for more than one week or is exacerbated, instruct the patient to consult a physician.
•  Inform the patient of the side effects associated with NSAIDs, and some cough suppressants and decongestants
• Discuss Advice to the Customers thoroughly for more information on the prevention and management of influenza.