VICENZA, Italy -- Anyone who has not yet been vaccinated for flu season is at risk, so visit your nearest immunizations clinic and ask for the vaccine today. It's not too late to vaccinate.
Following are some common questions and answers regarding the flu.
What can I expect if I do get the flu virus?
According to the Army Public Health Department, these are the symptoms to look for: You may wake up not feeling well with a combination of some of these symptoms -- a fever (typically greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit), headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
What do I do?
People who are in high-risk health categories should seek medical treatment for the flu. If you are or your child is experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, fever with a rash, unable to take in water, sudden dizziness or confusion, go to the emergency department.
Those not in high-risk categories should stay home for 24 hours after the fever has gone or when all symptoms have resolved. If you must go out, wear a surgical/face mask. Try to arrange for someone to run those errands for you. Keep away from others as much as possible to help prevent the spread of the virus. Drink clear fluids such as water, broth or sports drinks to keep hydrated.
Get plenty of rest and follow excellent hand, respiratory and cough hygiene. Do not share eating or drinking utensils.
Should I take medicine?
Fortunately, most healthy people with mild flu illness do not need care or antiviral drugs.
If you take over-the-counter medications for symptom relief of pain, fever or cough, pay attention to what you are taking. For example, Tylenol (acetaminophen) is in several cold medications and mixing medications or taking too much can be life-threatening. Do not give aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) or products that contain aspirin (e.g. bismuth subsalicylate, Pepto Bismol) to children or teenagers 18 years old or younger.
Children younger than four should not be given over-the-counter cold medications without speaking to a health care provider first.
Should I disinfect my whole house?
Throw away tissues or other disposable items used by the sick person. Wash hands after touching tissues or other contaminated waste. Keep bedside tables, bathroom surfaces and toys clean by wiping them down with household disinfectant. You do not need to clean linens and utensils separately, but it's important that they aren't shared before being washed thoroughly. Wash linens with laundry soap and tumble dry on a hot setting. Wash hands well after handling dirty laundry.
Does the sick person need to be quarantined?
If you leave your home or barracks for health care or food procurement, wear a surgical/face mask. Minimize close face-to-face contact (less than about six feet) with the sick person. Try to arrange for a family member, friend or neighbor to obtain food and other items for you. When holding small children, place their chin on your shoulder to prevent them from coughing in your face. Designate one person as the ill person's caregiver if possible. Try to identify a person as the primary caretaker who is not at high risk of flu associated complications.
How can I prevent myself from getting the flu?
Get immunized, wash hands frequently with soap or hand sanitizer, stay away from sick individuals, and do not touch eyes, mouth or nose. These are the best ways to prevent the flu from affecting you.
(Ruiz Sosa is the Chief of Preventive Medicine, Army Public Health Nursing & Medical Readiness Occupational Nurse Liaison.)
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