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.