Even in the case of the H1N1 swine flu, it is not necessary to rush to be seen. In fact, it can help to prevent the spread of the flu if individuals stay home instead of rushing to the practitioner’s office or to the local emergency room.
Antivirals Being Prioritized
The CDC has made recommendations that those adults and children who are at high risk for complications or those who are very sick and require hospitalization be given priority for antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu and Relenza. There has also been some indication that these drugs are not as effective against the H1N1 virus as was originally thought. In the past few years, there has been evidence that they are not always effective against seasonal flu strains. Anyone at risk for complications should be evaluated by a health care practitioner.
General Flu Treatment
In most cases seasonal and swine flu treatments for healthy individuals will consist of:
- pain and fever reducers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen in age-appropriate doses
- rest and fluids (i.e. water, clear soups and broths, popsicles, ice chips)
- cold and cough medications for those over four years in age-appropriate doses
Seasonal and swine flu requires medical attention for infants under three months of age, as well as anyone who develops severe symptoms such as lethargy, rapid or labored breathing, irritability, persistent vomiting or diarrhea, or dehydration. Pregnant women who develop flu symptoms should be seen.
Get Instructions Ahead of Time
Persons with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, heart conditions, diabetes, sickle cell disease, or compromised immune systems should consult their practitioner ahead of time for specific instructions on what to do should they catch the virus. If prior arrangements have not been made, contact with the practitioner should be made if they become ill. If their symptoms become severe, immediate medical attention should be sought.
Drive-Up Evaluations
Some emergency rooms around the U.S. have set up drive-up units to triage patients away from those seeking care for serious illness or injury such as heart attacks, strokes and broken bones. Exposure to colds, flu and other viruses during a true emergency can be detrimental.
Too many Americans depend on the emergency room for care they should be seeking from a practitioner’s office either due to the convenience of being seen after hours or because they don’t have medical insurance. However, the costs for being seen in an emergency room are far higher than they would be in a clinic or private practice office.
Alternatives to the ER
Low cost retail clinics in drug stores such as Walgreens, WalMart, and CVS offer alternatives to the ER and urgent care facilities should be considered as well. Most of these are open until 8 or 9 PM for after work opportunities.
Antibiotics are ineffective against flu viruses and colds. Unless the symptoms become severe, the flu will just have to run its course. It will take about 4 to 7 days. Stay home until any fever has been gone for 24 hours.
Resources:
CDC Recommendations on antivirals
 |
 |
 |
 |
