Flu treatment

Do I have the flu?

Influenza is a respiratory infection primarily caused by influenza A and B viruses. In Canada, flu season usually coincides with the late fall and winter months.
As the weather gets colder, we tend to spend more time indoors, in close proximity to other people, increasing the risk of spreading viruses.

Flu symptoms usually appear 1 to 4 days after exposure to the virus, and may include:

• Sudden high fever lasting up to 3 days

• Significant headache

• Sharp muscle aches and pain

• Loss of appetite

• Sore Throat

• Runny nose

• Chills

• Cough and chest pain

• Fatigue and weakness

Further symptoms to watch out for in children include: 

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Irritability

Most people recover within 5 to 10 days without complications. Fatigue and cough can persist for up to 2 weeks, sometimes more. Complications of influenza include dehydration, sinusitis, ear infection, bronchitis and pneumonia.

You should see a doctor if you have flu symptoms and one or more of the following symptoms:

• Shortness of breath, difficulty or pain when breathing

• Bluish lips and/or fingers

• Dizziness

• Confusion

• High fever that persists more than 3 days

• Persistent vomiting

• Blood in secretions

For children:

• Difficulty waking up your child

• Child does not eat, drink or play

CAN FLU SYMPTOMS BE TREATED AT HOME?

If you think you’ve come down with the flu, the good news is that there are a few things you can do to help ease your symptoms.

Most healthy people can treat the flu at home with rest and over-the-counter medication to help relieve symptoms. However, some people are more at risk of complications, like the elderly, very young children, and people living with chronic diseases or have a weakened immune system because of illness or drug therapy. They should contact their pharmacist or health care team to know if they should receive medical care. In some provinces, pharmacists may prescribe antivirals to prevent the flu or treat flu symptoms for certain people at high risk of flu complications.

In addition to staying home and getting plenty of rest, here are a few OTC options to relieve common flu symptoms. Talk to your pharmacist before taking any medication, as some drugs can interact negatively with others or may not be safe if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. As an expert in medications, your pharmacist can play a vital role in ensuring your home treatment is safe and effective.

Treatment for each flu symptoms

The good news is that there are a few things you can do to help ease flu symptoms and get you back on your feet again.

Nasal Congestion
If your nose feels stuffed, one solution is to irrigate your nasal passages using a saline solution. This will ease your breathing by shrinking swollen mucous membranes, leaving more room for air to get through.

Your pharmacist can also make recommendations for medication, such as antihistamines, pseudoephedrine and other decongestants for optimal relief. If you have medical conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, be sure to check with your pharmacist for products that will not affect your condition.

Sore throat
A sore throat can be soothed by regular gargling sessions. Use a solution of 1 teaspoon of salt dissolved in 1 cup (240 ml) of water. Humidifiers, cough lozenges and cough drops may also offer you temporary relief.

Fever
You can treat fever by taking non-prescription medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Other ways to manage fever include removing excess clothing and bedding, increasing fluid intake, maintaining an outside temperature of 20–21°C, and avoiding physical exertion.

Aches and muscle pain
Body aches and pain are more difficult to treat without medication. Getting plenty of rest will help shorten the duration of these symptoms. However, if you want to relieve your pain, you can take non-prescription medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, while validating with your pharmacist if these products are right for you.

How to avoid spreading the flu

Here are some simple steps that you can take to help limit the spread of the virus :

• Avoid touching your face.
• Wash your hands often with warm water and soap.
• Cough and sneeze into your elbows or a tissue instead of directly into your hands.
• Avoid visiting people who are at high risk of flu complications while you are sick, such as the elderly, young babies, and people with weakened immune systems or chronic illnesses.
• Get vaccinated agaisnt the flu.

Because the flu virus is highly contagious, Health Canada recommends flu vaccination to protect yourself and the community by limiting the spread of the virus. This is one of the best ways to prevent the flu or ease its symptoms. Vaccination allows your body to develop antibodies that will protect you throughout the flu season.
Many pharmacies offer the flu shot each fall. You can make an appointment to get vaccinated online or by phone. Each province has its own rules for getting the flu shot, so check with your pharmacist to find out if you're eligible to get the shot for free.

Find more details on how to avoid catching the flu by reading this article.