Sick with the Flu?
How do I know if I have the flu?
You may have the flu if you have some or all of these symptoms:
- Fever*
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Body aches
- Headache
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Sometimes diarrhea and vomiting
*It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.
What should I do if I get sick?
Most people with the flu have mild illness and may not need medical care or antiviral drugs. If you get sick with flu symptoms, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people except to get medical care, if needed.
Your doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs that can treat the flu. These drugs work better for treatment the sooner they are started.
How long should I stay home if I’m sick?
You should stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or other necessities. Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine, such as Tylenol®.
What should I do while I’m sick?
Stay away from others as much as possible to keep from infecting them. You should stay home from work, school, travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings. Always cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Wash your hands often to keep from spreading flu to others.