What to do if you have the flu - Protecting and caring for yourself and others

Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu
What to do if you have the flu

If you have flu-like symptoms, stay at home until essentially well, that is not sneezing and coughing as this is how the virus spreads. This is usually around three to four days after symptoms start, but may be up to a week.

It is important to:

stay home and let a relative or friend know if you are at home alone
rest in a separate room that has good ventilation and is away from other members of the household
don’t share anything that may spread flu
drink small amounts of fluids often and keep your mouth clean and moist by cleaning teeth regularly
take drugs that relieve pain and fever, eg, paracetamol or ibuprofen. (Aspirin-type medications should not be used for children and young people.)
gargle with a glass of warm water and/or suck on sugarless hard sweets or lozenges for sore throats
use saline drops or nasal spray or decongestants for soothing and clearing the nose
keep bedding and nightwear clean and dry if you are in bed
shower or bath regularly, or use a cloth to wash with warm water and soap and make sure you wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds, drying them well afterwards or use antiseptic rubs
apply skin balm or moisturiser to prevent your lips, nose and surrounding skin from drying out and cracking.

If you don’t feel like eating or drinking:

try light fluid-type nutritional snacks such as chicken soup or perhaps yoghurt
don’t worry if you can’t handle food, but keep taking fluids, try an ice block or jelly.

If you aren’t drinking enough, you may be dehydrated. You may:

have no urine or very little, which will be a dark yellow colour
feel confused or drowsy
have dull eyes
have dry skin that will have lost its elasticity (it won’t spring back when you pinch it lightly)

If you find it hard to breathe:

sit upright
contact your doctor immediately.

If your condition worsens, seek medical advice by PHONING Healthline 0800 611 116 or your healthcare provider.

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Page last updated: 25 June 2009