Home Care of a Flu Patient

People with flu are at high risk of becoming dehydrated, so maintaining adequate intake of liquids is a critically important function for caregivers. Fever, cough, mucous production and vomiting all take a toll on the body’s fluid levels.

A large person needs 2 liters or 1 ½ gallons a day and a small child needs 1 liter or ½ gallon a day. Keep giving fluids often in small sips, even if the patient vomits. Do not stop giving liquids until the patient is able to keep down a quart of fluids. This requires caregivers to be persistent with maintaining hydration.

Signs of dehydration include weakness, headache, dry mouth, dry skin, thirst, decreased alertness, decreased urine output and dark colored urine.

Muscle pain and fever: Use acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprophen (Motrin or Advil), as directed on the label.

Cough: Use a cough medicine with dextromethorphan (DM products) and follow label directions.

Stuffy Nose: Use a decongestant, either oral or nasal spray; or saline nose spray

Sore Throat: Use lozenges or throat sprays, warm salt water gargles reduce swelling in the throat.

Other measures to reduce symptoms:

Take warm bath or showers with a few drops of eucalyptus or lavender oil to help clear congestion and relax aching muscles.

Use a humidifier to combat dry, heated air.

Offer small amounts of easily digested foods such as soup, eggs and crackers.

Use water, tea and juices with low sugar content. Avoid sports drinks, soft drinks and fruit punch because of sugar content.

Patients and caregivers should wash hands every time they pass a sink!

Use tissues for coughing and sneezing, and dispose of properly.

Viruses may live for 48 hours on objects; use cleaning wipes or sprays to disinfect common objects such as phones, door knobs, faucet handles, etc.

Wash your hands!